Cosmetic Dentistry Tips for Avoiding Stained Teeth

Cosmetic Dentistry in Chicago | Weller Dental

TEA AND RED WINE LOVERS are all too familiar with the effects these drinks have on their teeth. Both these precious liquids are two of the worst culprits for staining your teeth. 

But many other foods and drinks can also cause discoloration of your teeth. You don’t need to cut these out of your diet completely. Simply reducing consumption, learning tips from your cosmetic dentist in Chicago, IL, and improving at-home hygiene can help keep a bright, beautiful smile.

What Causes Tooth Stains?

Tooth stains are caused by chemical compounds called chromogens that give some foods and drink their intense, dark color. Tannins are another substance that can make your teeth much more likely to stain. The acids in these foods can wear down your teeth and increase the chance of stains. The general rule of thumb is that if something can stain your clothes or tongue, it can stain your teeth. Learn more here. 

What Types of Foods Stain Teeth?

Confusingly enough, some foods that stain teeth contain vitamins and minerals. Deep-colored foods have many health benefits, so you don’t want to cut all of them out of your diet. However, cutting down on particular foods or drinks can be part of the solution. 

• Tea and coffee — tea and coffee contain tannins, which cause staining.  
• Red wine — as unfortunate as it may be, is one of the most common causes of tooth staining. 
• Cola — the dark food coloring and acids wear away at your teeth. 
• Fruit juices — dark-colored fruit juices like cranberry, blueberry, and grape juices. 
• Balsamic vinegar — makes a tasty dressing but has intense pigmentation that can stain teeth. 
• Soy sauce — the dark coloring of soy tastes great on stir-fry but may linger on your teeth long after you finish. 
• Berries — are very healthy, but unfortunately, another tooth-staining culprit. 
• Beetroot — although packed with vitamins and minerals, they stain skin, clothes, and teeth. 

How Can I Avoid Stained Teeth?

Teeth staining can undoubtedly be attributed to genetics, but the most significant factor, by far, is poor oral hygiene. Read our tips from your cosmetic dentist in Chicago that you can take to help keep your perfect smile sparkling white. 

• Replace a cup of black tea with herbal tea. 
• After eating or drinking, rinse your mouth with water. 
• Consider using a straw to avoid the liquid touching your teeth when drinking cola or juice. 
• Increase consumption of crunchy fruit and veggies, like apples, carrots, and celery. They increase saliva and simultaneously scrub your teeth. 
• Brush your teeth twice a day, minimum.

See your cosmetic dentist in Chicago every six months or as frequently as Dr. Weller advises. He can offer cosmetic dental care procedures, such as professional cleaning or teeth whitening,  to achieve a brighter, beautiful white smile.

Caring for your oral health is essential for looking after your overall health. Contact the staff at Weller Dental to get personalized care from your cosmetic dentist in Chicago, Illinois . Ask us about other cosmetic dentistry services like porcelain veneers, smile makeovers, and dental implants for replacing missing teeth.