How to Prevent Tooth Stains

Many of the patients who visit our Waldorf, MD dentist to have their teeth whitened ask us why they have to see us so often for this cosmetic dentistry procedure. We usually tell these patients that they need to have their teeth whitened regularly because of their lifestyle habits.

There are many things that cause teeth to become dull and stained including the consumption of certain foods and drinks, medications, genetics, and the use of tobacco. If your teeth aren't as white as you'd like them to be, below are a few ways to prevent your teeth from staining.
 

Watch What You Eat!

There are certain foods that can leave stubborn stains on your teeth that are impossible to remove with normal brushing and flossing. That's why you should limit eating the following foods that are notorious teeth stainers:
 

• Blueberries
• Curry
• Red tomato sauces
• Dishes containing balsamic vinegar
• Beets
• Colored candies

In addition to these foods, you should also limit drinking of the following teeth-staining beverages:

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Dark colored sodas

Sip Through a Straw

If you can't give up your favorite beverages in order to prevent your teeth from staining, a good idea is to sip those drinks you love through a straw. This will prevent the liquid from coating your teeth as you drink. While it isn't practical or elegant to drink coffee or wine through a straw, you can use a straw when enjoying iced tea and your favorite dark colored sodas!

Don't Use Tobacco 
You already know that using tobacco is not a healthy thing to do, whether you chew or smoke it. But did you know that your tobacco habit is also staining those pearly whites of yours? Tobacco in all forms leaves stains on teeth and the longer you chew or smoke, the darker the stains become. You'd be pleasantly surprised to see how much better your teeth look after being tobacco-free for a few months, so try kicking that bad habit to the curb once and for all!

Brush & Floss Well Every Single Day

While brushing and flossing cannot remove heavy stains from your teeth, it can remove temporary stains left on your teeth after consuming a known tooth-staining food or drink. That's why you should always brush your teeth after eating and be sure to floss at least once per day. Flossing helps remove leftover food debris that gets caught between your teeth along with temporary stains that sneak into those tight spaces.

Visit Your Waldorf, MD Dentist

There's a good reason why Dr. Johnson reminds his patients to visit him twice a year for routine exams and cleanings! These important office visits are designed with one thing in mind: To keep your teeth as healthy, strong, and attractive as they can be! If it's time for you to come in for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning, please book a time with us today! During your visit, we can schedule a teeth whitening appointment if you'd like us to remove all the stubborn stains from your teeth, so just ask!