Better Health Centre |+| Stained Tooth

 

 

Stained Tooth | How to fix it.

How Foods Can Cause Stained Teeth....and some ways to whiten them again...

Unfortunately the common foods we eat and drink can stain our teeth by sticking to the protective layer of protein that naturally coat our tooth enamel to prevent damage to the enamel layer.

The worst culprits are sticky foods like highly colored soda and cola drinks and curries and red wine that easily stain your tooth enamel. Another type that increases the chances of a stained tooth is acidic foods.

Extreme temperatures from things like hot coffee and tea as well as iced drinks can cause teeth to discolour and even stain as well. 

This discoloration occurs because with the heat and cold the enamel expands and contract slightly, which allows stains to penetrate into the protective layer of the teeth.

Regular brushing and flossing will remove this thin layer of fuzziness on top of our teeth but some stains can penetrate deep inside your tooth enamel.

If you eat or drink things which are known to stain your teeth it should go without saying that you will need to brush your teeth immediately after.

There are certain foods that can actually help protect your teeth from tooth staining and some will even help remove some of the yellowing.

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, besides being good for your diet and full of nutrients, contain phytochemicals which add a layer of protection to teeth.

Just watch out for the spinach caught between your teeth before you go out!

The act of eating and chewing crunchy foods like celery, carrots and apples will also help remove some stains on your teeth through friction. 

After eating a meal it is not always convenient to go off to the bathroom to brush or floss your teeth, but as a substitute, rinsing your mouth out with water is better than nothing.

If you are eating out a good habit to get into is to chase your meal or snack with a glass of water, or gargle if you can. This is especially important if you have been consuming things like tea, coffee, red wine or citrus fruits.

All these little tips will certainly help fight the problem of stained teeth.