You wake up in the morning and slowly make your way into the bathroom to brush your teeth, and you notice they are just a little more yellow than they were yesterday. This is a very common event that can be prevented and in most cases reversed. At our clinic we offer a variety of whitening procedures, but patients often forget that staining can often be prevented with a few lifestyle changes (which will end up saving you money on whitening procedures down the road).
Lifestyle choices make a huge difference
You may or may not be aware that your lifestyle choices are influencing colouration of your teeth. It is a common misconception that poor hygiene is the sole reason why teeth go yellow. Although hygiene is a strong factor, this is not entirely true. There are many lifestyle choices that influence tooth discolouration, and I will highlight a few of them below.
- Use a straw. A straw can limit the contact of substances with your front teeth.
- Consume less foods that are known to stain. The biggest perpetrators are drinking coffee and smoking. These two habits are a major cause of tooth discolouration, as well as sticky foods that tend to get stuck between your teeth.
- Eat foods high in calcium. Cheese, yogurt, and other foods that are high in calcium help fight tooth decay.
- Brush and floss. Brushing and flossing several times a day can wipe away fresh stains before it’s too late. Plaque accumulation can cause deep dark stains, and it is essential that plaque be removed frequently, especially between teeth.
Regular dental visits are very effective in reducing teeth discolouration, and spotting potential problems such as plaque buildups. With a few simple life choices and proper dental hygiene, it is very simple to keep those teeth shining!