Mind What You Eat and Drink
Some food and drinks leave stains behind – on your tongue, including your teeth. Your dentist can very well tell your eating habits and food preferences by simple oral examination. If your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, you might want to take a closer look at what you put inside your mouth.
As one ages, the outer enamel of teeth develop very fine lines across the surfaces, very much like lines on maturing facial skin. Stains tend to burrow into these depressions and over time, simple brushing just won’t do. A yellowish tinge to your teeth can be blamed on acidic foods, like citrus foods and tomatoes. They can erode the enamel and expose the yellow dentin inside.
Coffee contains tannin which is acidic as well. Sugars in treats like cookies and hard candy, even snack foods like chips, latch onto your and become the main meal for bacteria. Sodas are especially dangerous, they are carbonated hence, also acidic and will create holes in the teeth. Low quality green tea stains teeth gray and black tea stains them yellow.
Certain foods like berries (blueberries and blackberries) contain pigments that stay behind. Red wine can also cause discoloration; the same with tomato sauce, beets, curry, as well as soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. They also have acids that bathe teeth and cause the enamel to soften and become brittle, and hence, attract more pigments to stick to them.
Is there some way to both enjoy your favorites and at the same time protect your pearly whites?
Don’t leave remnants behind. Brush with toothpaste right away. If that is not possible, drink lots of water to keep the mouth hydrated. Rinse or use a gargle, just don’t let the smell or taste linger in the mouth. All these are proactive tips to keep your whites stay white. Also, stay faithful to your dental appointments to maintain that bright healthy smile all year round.
Smart Eating and Dental Appointments
Know more from your Bellingham dentist, Dr. Tetrick, about teeth staining by certain foods and drinks. You will not have to sacrifice your favorite eats by not enjoying them. All you have to know is the smarter way to do it and what to do after to still keep that confident smile.