5 Tips To Prevent Teeth Stains

Dr. Carol Jin, DDS and her team in San Ramon, California understand the importance of a beautiful shining smile. The desire for whiter brighter teeth has been a concern even to our ancient ancestors, who valued the healthy look of white teeth as a sign of wealth and wisdom.

Luckily most stains can be cleared up with professional cleanings. As we age, our enamel’s surface slowly erodes and exposes the interior of our teeth, called the dentin. This exposure is what causes food stains to occur.

Preventing Teeth Stains

Prevent Tooth StainTo prevent teeth stains, it’s important to pinpoint the culprit. The majority are caused by various foods, drinks, and medicines. Acidic foods like tomato sauce, lemon juice, red wine, and pickles can all stain your teeth. Other products to avoid are dark sodas, black coffee, soy sauce, cigarettes, and artificial colors. Here are Dr. Carol Jin’s five most practical tips to prevent teeth stains:

  • Drink With A Straw
  • Reduce Plaque Buildup
  • Eat Fruits & Vegetables
  • Brush After Every Meal
  • Semi-Annual Teeth Cleaning

Drink With A Straw

Using a straw when drinking sugary and dark colored liquids will help keep the food coloring from the front surface of your teeth. It’s also important to rinse out your mouth with pure water after drinking dark liquids.

Reduce Plaque Buildup

Plaque is one of the leading culprits stained teeth. Use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight against the buildup of plaque. Use whitening toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide for maximum results.

Eat Fruits & Vegetables

Vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and celery can act as a natural toothbrush to lightly scrub the teeth. Foods that contain a malic acid have been shown to help dissolve stains. Eat apples, watermelon, bananas, broccoli, beans, and potatoes for a natural wash of malic acid.

Brush After Every Meal

Of course, brushing after every meal will help keep your teeth whiter, but it’s crucial to not overdue your technique. Scrub your teeth gently, because the harder you brush, the more enamel will erode, which causes more stains as it exposes the dentin. We recommend using an electric toothbrush or a soft bristle brush for best results.

Semi-Annual Teeth Cleaning

The easiest way to maintain a brighter smile is to get your teeth cleaned at least twice a year. At home whitening kits run the risk of causing over-sensitivity due to the “one-size” fits all strips, which don’t always fit the way they should. Over time, these over the counter methods can cause damage to your gums and become painful when improperly used.

Schedule A Visit Today

Contact Dr. Carol Jin, DDS today to schedule a consultation or appointment for teeth cleaning and whitening. Our San Ramon, California team will help you keep that smile bright!

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