teeth cleaning Important – as is being proud of your “pearl whites”.
But keeping your teeth bright and white can be a challenge, with a variety of factors causing discoloration.
Dr. Ronald Santana, Head of Science and Development at Oral Biolife in pennsylvania, Noted that tooth discoloration refers to “staining or darkening of the teeth” from internal or external factors.
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“Extrinsic discoloration is caused by changes in the color of tooth enamel caused by external factors such as smoking, foods or beverages including coffee, tea and red wine,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Intrinsic discoloration affects the dentin of the tooth and is caused by some medicines Taken during childhood (Tetracycline), dental trauma and certain diseases (liver disease).”
A dentist’s rule of thumb is, “If it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth.” (iStock)
Dr. Erin Fraundorf, Owner of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio Ladue, Missouri It is agreed that many factors can cause tooth discoloration.
While “there’s no way to know the cause without evaluation and diagnosis by a professional,” the expert said diet, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, thin enamel and wear and tear on teeth from grinding and chewing can all be causes. . change color
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“A good general rule of thumb is that if it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth,” he told Fox News Digital.
Santana and Fraundorf offer seven tips for getting your teeth whiter and brighter.
1. Develop an oral care routine
Fraundorf recommends brushing with an electric toothbrush at least twice a day and using toothpaste with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA).
“Avoid using charcoal or other abrasive toothpastes, as they damage the enamel over time, causing teeth to darken,” he said.
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“Turn mundane oral care into a self-care ritual to make it an experience,” she says.
While some people may be willing to try at-home teeth whitening solutions, Santana stresses that “care should be taken when choosing a safe and effective at-home method for teeth whitening.”
Experts say it’s best to avoid using charcoal or other “abrasive” toothpastes. (iStock)
“Avoid trying home methods before visiting the dentist, as some substances can damage tooth enamel,” he warns.
According to Santana, “adequate” toothbrushing is an “effective” way to reduce discoloration on your teeth.
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“Cleaning teeth with proper brushing technique, using whitening dentifrices, and using an electric toothbrush are effective resources for reducing tooth discoloration.”
Flossing with toothpaste, using a water flosser to remove plaque and using a daily tongue scraper to reduce bacteria can also promote whiter teeth, Frauendorf said.
2. Drink more water
According to Fraundorf, “Water is the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white.”
“Next time you have that cup of coffee or glass of red wine, have a sip of water “Swirl around a little longer between sips,” she advised.
One dentist suggested, “Water is the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white.” (iStock)
“Water will not only prevent stain particles from sticking to your teeth, but it will also help neutralize the acidity of the drink.”
Fraundorf also recommends choosing still water instead of sparkling.
“Drink and swallow it frequently to neutralize your oral environment and fight stains,” he suggests.
3. Chew sugar-free gum
Fraundorf said studies show that patients who chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals have “significantly fewer” cavities.
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“Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva flow by stimulating mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Saliva helps wash away food particles as well as dilute and neutralize the acids produced by plaque bacteria on the teeth, leading to a reduction in cavities and stains.”
4. Drink through a straw
using straws, especially when drinking alcohol dark, acidic or sugary beveragesCan help reduce exposure of these substances to your teeth.
Experts advise that drinking through a straw reduces contact of the liquid with your teeth. (iStock)
“For extra credit, try drinking beverages more quickly to reduce the amount of time your oral environment is exposed to low pH, which will reduce the amount of enamel damage,” Fraundorf said.
5. Fight stains with fruits and vegetables
Some foods and drinks — like red wine, soda, soy sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar and coffee — can stain your teeth and should be avoided, Santana said.
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“Furthermore, although scientific evidence is limited, its consumption balanced, healthy diet — which include strawberries, grapes, apples, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, cottage cheese, celery, carrots, broccoli and almonds — can limit teeth stains,” he said.
Fraundorf agreed that “superfoods may be one of the best (and tastiest) ways to whiten your teeth naturally.”
According to experts, superfoods like strawberries can help in whitening teeth. (iStock)
“Strawberries, apples and watermelon all contain high amounts of malic acid, which helps whiten your smile by removing surface stains and increasing salivation,” she says.
Other superfoods that may help whiten teeth include celery and green leafy vegetables, because their “fibrous texture acts like a natural toothbrush, removing plaque from your teeth,” Fraundorf said.
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“Dark, leafy greens also contain calcium, which counteracts the effects of acid, and abundant folic acid, which is essential for gum tissue cell growth.”
6. Visit the dentist
“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to have a bright smile,” Fraundorf told Fox News Digital.
“Set a calendar reminder to receive routine checkup And get a cleaning by your general dentist.”
“Your dentist can prescribe a safe and customized teeth whitening solution tailored to your specific needs,” Santana said.
Experts recommend that patients should visit the dentist for a general checkup every six months. (iStock)
7. Consider professional teeth whitening
Although being diligent about oral care can help keep teeth bright, Fraundorf suggested that professional teeth whitening may be necessary to “take your smile to the next level.”
“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to have a bright smile.”
“Whitening treatments are not one-size-fits-all, so it is important to seek customized care,” she said.
“The most ideal whitening treatment is specific to you, tailored based on your unique smile goals, tooth structure, diet, sensitivity level and lifestyle.”
He further added, “A proper diagnosis involves many factors customized treatment plan For teeth whitening to ensure the best, most comfortable, beautiful results.”
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According to the expert, artificial tooth structures, such as crowns, veneers and composites, will not whiten – meaning additional restorative work will be required to whiten these teeth.
