It’s natural for us all to get stains on our teeth. Eating, drinking, smoking, and a lack of proper oral hygiene can lead to stained and discoloured teeth. As a result, getting perfectly white teeth can be difficult! The question you may be asking yourself is: can these stains be removed? Our dentists at Fresh Dental Smile Clinic share their advice.
What are the main causes of stains on teeth?
Stains are most commonly caused by colourants in the food and drink we consume. Some of the worst offenders are tea, coffee and red wine. Citrus fruits, foods with added colouring and sauces such as tomato and soy can also cause stains. Another culprit is tobacco. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can discolour your teeth.
Sometimes, teeth can simply discolour with age. As we get older, the enamel on our teeth weakens, and the yellow coloured tooth dentine underneath the enamel becomes more apparent. Inadequate oral hygiene can also lead to surface stains remaining on teeth, which is is why it’s so important to brush and floss twice a day.
How can I prevent stains from occurring?
Fortunately there are some things you can do to help prevent stains from occurring. Firstly, try to limit your intake of the above mentioned food and drink. Rinsing your mouth out with water after meals can also help, as can rinse away any sugar left on your teeth after eating and drinking. Drinking through a straw can be beneficial as the liquid won’t come into so much contact with your teeth.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices can also help to prevent stains. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste is crucial to removing any food and stains. Flossing is also important because it can get in between your teeth to the places that a toothbrush can’t reach. These simple actions can help make your teeth look brighter and whiter.
Can stains be removed?
As well as trying the above mentioned preventative measures, there are some dental treatments that can help. Having a simple scale and polish can often remove the majority of superficial surface stains. Some dentists also are able to provide an intensive clean using a prophy-jet system, which blasts stains away using bicarbonate particles.
There are also options to have cosmetic treatment to restore your teeth’s natural brightness. There are many teeth whitening options available which can be done both at home and at the dentist. Having your teeth whitened with a dental professional is a safer option than off the shelf kits from supermarkets and pharmacies. Book an appointment with your dentist to see what options are available and find out how those stains on your teeth can be removed.
