Top Things to Avoid to Prevent the Discoloration of Your Teeth

Tooth discoloration happens when the outer layer of the tooth, i.e. the enamel, changes color from white to yellow or light brown. The teeth, in such cases, will not look as bright and white as they should, giving an unsightly appearance to your smile.

Keep reading to learn more about the top things to avoid to prevent the discoloration of your teeth recommended by Dr. Allen Korte and our team of dental experts at Korte Family Dentistry in Lincoln, Nebraska, 

What to Avoid to Prevent Teeth Discoloration 

Tea/Coffee

The tannins found in tea and coffee are notorious for causing teeth stains and discoloration. Limit your intake of tea/coffee or try to substitute it with a better option. 

Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming these beverages can also help prevent discoloration. You can also keep things under control by adding 2% of milk to your tea or coffee. This will significantly reduce the staining effects of these beverages.

Smoking

The nicotine and tar in tobacco leave yellow and brown residue on your teeth which might become difficult to remove if you have the habit of smoking regularly.

Smoking not only affects your teeth but also increases the risk of gum disease as it supports bacterial plaque buildup and can even lead to tooth loss.

Tomato-Based Sauces

If you are quite fond of saucy foods, you should be aware of the consequences of tomato-based sauces on your teeth. The bright red pigment in tomato sauce stains the teeth while also deteriorating the enamel with its high acidity level.

You can neutralize the acidity in tomato sauces by adding a quarter spoon of baking soda and also include dark veggies like spinach and broccoli in the sauce to reduce the risk of teeth staining.

Berries/Fruit Juices

Acidic fruits tend to erode your enamel, leaving your teeth more susceptible to stains and damage. Deep-colored fruits like berries as well as juices made from these fruits can penetrate the pores of your enamel and cause teeth stains.

Medication

Frequent use of certain medications like antibiotics, some antihistamines, or anti-hypertensive drugs can also cause teeth discoloration. This can especially be seen in children below 8 years of age.

Chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride in mouthwashes can also be a cause of teeth discoloration.

To learn more about things to avoid to prevent teeth discoloration, contact Korte Family Dentistry at (402) 489-3115 or visit us at 3901 Normal Blvd STE 202, Lincoln, NE 68506.