Are your teeth less white than you’d like them to be? A recent study shows that half of Australians don’t brush their teeth at least twice daily, according to ABC.net. Over time, this can cause various issues, including plaque and tartar buildup. The food and drinks you consume might also cause stains, which you can conceal with dental veneers. Here are some of the main sources of stained teeth:
Beverages
You’ve probably heard that coffee and tea can stain teeth. These are some of the world’s most popular beverages. Research shows that 48% of Australians drink coffee, while 36% drink tea, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
These are certainly healthy beverages when you consume options like brewed coffee and green tea. However, roasted black coffee beans and green tea leaves that the drinks are made from can also stain your teeth over time even if you brush your teeth.
Besides these drinks, your teeth might also get stained from sodas and wine. Soft drinks often contain artificial colors, while grape juice is notorious for staining clothes, linens, and carpets.
But you can take steps to whiten teeth, like adding composite veneers. Veneers are made with resins found in tooth fillings and can help to make your teeth whiter and stronger.
Food
The most obvious types of foods that stain teeth are those with artificial colours. Besides these ingredients being generally unhealthy, they can also cause tooth staining over time due to the synthetic chemicals they contain.
It might be surprising but there are various natural foods that can also cause stained teeth. They include ones like:
- Potatoes
- Beetroot
- Tomato Sauce
- Apples
- Berries
- Curry (Turmeric)
- Soy sauce
Just like teeth-staining drinks, it might seem that you have to stop eating all these foods. A practical alternative is to have veneers professionally added to your teeth. The process is quite fast and basic, and can help your teeth look fresh and clean.
Many of these foods are loaded with healthy nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The key is to consume the most natural versions of these foods, and take steps to keep your teeth as white as possible.
Dental Hygiene
Toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash are some of the ways to help reduce plague buildup. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, it can result in tooth stains. In some situations, brushing, flossing, and rinsing might not be enough to remove substances that cause yellow or stained teeth.
Tobacco Smoking/Chewing
Both of these actions can cause your teeth to become stained. Studies show that over 11.5% of Australians smoked daily in 2019, according to the Australian government.
Tobacco use has generally decreased in developed countries during recent decades. However, it’s still causing a wide range of health problems that include negative effects on oral health. This includes health risks like gum disease.
The nicotine in tobacco products like cigarettes and cigars can also cause potential health problems including yellow or stained teeth. Veneers are one way to treat such teeth by covering them with a resin composite that can make your teeth look whiter.
There are various causes of stained teeth including food, tobacco, and oral hygiene. The good news is you can easily whiten teeth with options like dental veneers. They’re lightweight, easy to apply, and more affordable than other options. You can have white teeth before stain removal.