Whiter Teeth From Your Cosmetic Dentist in Charlotte

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. But reducing consumption, learning some tips from your cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, and improving your oral hygiene can help keep a bright, healthy smile.

What Causes Tooth Stains?

Chemical compounds called chromogens 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 wear down your teeth and increase the chance of stains setting in. Typically, if something can stain your clothes or tongue, it can most likely stain your teeth.

What Foods Stain Teeth Easily?

Confusingly, some foods contain vitamins and minerals, which have health benefits, so you don’t want to cut all of them out of your diet. However, if you have a particular food or drink often and it’s causing teeth staining, cutting down can be part of the solution.

• Tea and coffee — tea and coffee both contain tannins, which cause the 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, such as cranberry, blueberry, and grape juices, can leave stains on your teeth.
• Balsamic vinegar — makes a tasty salad dressing but has intense pigmentation.
• Soy sauce — the dark coloring of soy may linger on your teeth long after you finish your sushi.
• Berries — are very healthy, but unfortunately, another tooth-staining culprit.
• Beetroot — although packed full of vitamins and minerals, they stain skin and clothes and will stain teeth too. 

What can I do about stained teeth?

Certain hereditary things can make you more prone to staining. Still, the most significant factor, by far, is poor oral hygiene. Read below for tips from your cosmetic dentist in Charlotte that you can take to help keep your perfect smile sparkling white.

• Substitute a cup of tea for herbal tea.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking something that is staining.
• Consider using a straw when drinking cola or juice to avoid the liquid touching your teeth.
• Eat crunchy fruit and vegetables, like apples, carrots, and celery. They increase saliva and scrub your teeth.
• Brush your teeth twice a day, minimum.

Schedule an Appointment with your Cosmetic Dentist in Charlotte

See your cosmetic dentist in Charlotte every six months or as frequently as Dr. Herbert Ludwig Saint Jean advises. He can offer cosmetic dental care procedures, such as professional cleaning or teeth whitening to brighten your beautiful smile.

Caring for your oral health is essential for looking after your overall health. Contact us today at Midtown General and Cosmetic Dentistry to get personalized care from your cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ask us about our other cosmetic dentistry services like porcelain veneers, smile makeovers, and dental implants for replacing missing teeth.