Unsightly stains can darken up even the brightest smile. Unfortunately, many of the people who engage in habits that are conducive to tooth stains are blissfully unaware of the long-term damage they’re causing. Luckily, maintaining a stain-free smile doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. Provided you adhere to a few simple tips, you should have no problem keeping your pearly whites nice and shiny. The following pointers will prove invaluable in helping you maintain an immaculate smile.
1. Avoid Tobacco Products Entirely
Few things are capable of staining one’s teeth as quickly and deeply as tobacco products. If you don’t want your chompers to turn a disgusting shade of black or brown, you’d do well to avoid tobacco products altogether. In addition to the cosmetic damage caused by these products, regular tobacco usage is intrinsically linked to cancer, heart disease and a host of other fatal ailments. So for the sake of your teeth – and your general health – it’s strongly advised that you abstain from using any and all types of tobacco.
2. See Your Dentist Every Six Months
Visiting a dentist every six months is crucial to one’s oral health. Not only will your dentist give your teeth a deep cleaning, he or she will examine your mouth for signs of various diseases, which may even save your life. Even if you regularly brush, floss and rinse at home, your teeth are practically guaranteed to become stained and discolored without biannual cleanings. Sixth City residents on the hunt for a first-rate dental practice are urged to get in touch with Cleveland Smiles.
3. Use Straws When Drinking Certain Beverages
Certain liquids are notorious for causing tooth stains – coffee, tea and wine notable among them. However, this doesn’t mean you need to give up these beverages in order to avoid tooth stains. Consuming them through a draw can help limit each liquid’s contact with your teeth, thus reducing the chances of staining. Additionally, adding milk to coffee and tea can prove helpful at breaking up the staining properties found in said beverages.
Tooth stains occur for a variety of reasons. However, more often than not, bad habits are to blame. Fortunately, knowledge is half the battle – and once you become aware of stain-causing habits, you can begin taking steps to limit their impact on your smile. If a stain-free smile is what you’re after, remember to avoid tobacco products, see a dentist twice a year and use draws when consuming certain beverages.