How to prevent teeth discoloration
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How to prevent teeth discoloration

Sparkly, shining, sleek, white, glossy teeth. Who doesn’t want that? Pretty much every person on this planet is fan of white teeth without the slightest bit of pigmentation. But here’s the catch; our teeth are naturally designed to be slightly yellow. So expecting your teeth to remain sparkly white forever is nothing short of a fantasy. Your enamel is semi-translucent, reflecting light that falls on your teeth. When it starts to thin due to various factors, the dentin starts to become more visible; which is the culprit behind the yellowish discoloration. Many factors contribute to the erosion of the enamel, for instance;

  • Acid consumption
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks
  • Coffee, tea etc
  • Stress
  • Certain fruit juices
  • Acid reflux or GERD
  • Certain medications (example antibiotics etc)
  • Genetics
  • Friction, abrasion etc
  • Certain foods
  • Xerostomia (less saliva production/ dry mouth)
  • Sugary diet
  • Smoking

 

Although brushing is mandatory, vigorous brushing can sometimes lead to enamel erosion as well. Hence, brushing gently is the way to go, no matter how discolored your teeth may be.

Our daily routines involve consuming drinks such as coffee, tea, drinks etc that cannot be evaded for the soul reason of preventing teeth discoloration. Hence , here are some ways you can use to prevent teeth staining;

 

  1. TOOTHPASTE:

Toothpastes are an integral component of our everyday lives. Our oral hygiene is incomplete without the use of toothpastes. Selecting the appropriate toothpaste in accordance with individual health and lifestyle is essential for maintenance of oral hygiene. Always use toothpastes rich in fluoride, as fluoride strengthens the enamel and prevents tooth decay. Some of the best teeth whitening toothpastes are available in the market, and have proved effective, specifically those that are now adapting ingredients that aren’t abrasive to the enamel.

  1. MOUTHWASHES:

Mouthwashes are great for killing bad breath and provide a refreshing sensation in the mouth, but they can also help whiten teeth. When antibacterial mouthwashes are incorporated in our daily lives, they help fight off infections and bacteria that are responsible for teeth discoloration and yellowing. They can help prevent formation of plaque.

  1. FLOSSING:

Flossing regularly is just as significant as brushing. A floss is a wire of thin filaments that is meant to reach the gaps between teeth to remove remains of foods etc and to enable the fluoride to reach deep within the enamel. It is a valuable weapon to combat and eliminate plaque, and prevents the development of many other oral diseases. It is recommended to floss daily at least once to aid in the brushing process.

  1. BRUSHING:

Brushing regularly and in the correct manner is the most vital step in maintenance of oral hygiene and prevention of teeth discoloration. It is recommended to brush at least twice daily, if not after every meal. The correct way to brush is to adopt back and forth strokes and hold the brush at a 45 degree angle. Gently brush your teeth, making sure excessive force isn’t applied which will only lead to enamel erosion.

  1. AVOID SUGARY DIETS:

We’ve been told as kids to avoid eating too much chocolates or sweets, as it leads to tooth cavity formation. Sugars are responsible for tooth decay, as they are taken up bacteria in the mouth which convert sugars into harmful acids that damage the tooth. This leads to enamel erosion, thus teeth discoloration and weakened teeth. Avoid consuming too much sugar, whether it be foods or drinks. It is recommended to wait at least an hour before brushing after sugar consumption, so that your teeth has ample time to recover and harden on its own. Absolutely avoid having sugary drinks before going to bed, because this will lead to a chronic condition whereby your teeth will be coated with a layer of sugar, and attacked by bacteria.

  1. SMOKING CESSATION:

Smoking is harmful in more ways than one. It not only endangers your life by making you more susceptible to cancers of various kinds, but also damages your teeth and cause discoloration. Stained teeth from smoking can be prevented by smoking cessation. For all those smokers seeking sparkly white teeth, first step’s first; STOP SMOKING!

  1. TOOTH STRIPS:

Another inexpensive, relatively easy way to whiten teeth without a dreaded appointment to the dentist is the use of tooth strips. These are strips containing whitening gels, usually coated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, that can be applied directly on the teeth for that spark we all desire. The question often arises that does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth or not. But it really does. Let it stand for a while, and say hello to teeth a few shades lighter than the ones you left behind.

  1. USE STRAWS:

Sugary beverages, juices, soft drinks and the likes have the tendency to deposit their color on the surface of the teeth. This happens when they are consumed directly and due to direct contact with the glossy surface of the teeth, the color deposition takes place, making your teeth susceptible to discoloration. A very good and effective way to prevent that is the use of straws whenever you drink anything of the sorts. Straws will help prevent direct contact with teeth and thus, protect your tooth surface from being discolored.

  1. USE OF BLEACH:

If your teeth are much discolored, you can make use of bleach to whiten them. Various bleaching agents are available in the market that can assist you in whitening your teeth and your smile. If your teeth have turned brown, they may take longer to whiten. And if they have turned gray, they may not respond to bleaching agents at all. Bleaching agents include hydrogen peroxides and carbamide peroxides. It is essential to understand the bleaching process before making use of it. Care must be taken regarding certain aspects, for instance the pH of the bleaching agents, the thickness of the applied bleaching agent,  the method of application of the bleaching agent that must not be too abrasive and destructive to the enamel, the tooth size etc.

  1. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

Amongst the countless wonders of natural home remedies, even teeth discoloration can be resolved by utilizing certain vegetables and fruits. Apples, broccoli, pineapples etc are amongst the kind.

While we try to keep our teeth as sparkling as possible, let’s not forget that with age, your enamel WILL start to deteriorate, leading to teeth discoloration. So eventual yellowing of teeth is inevitable. And while these are some of the best teeth whitening remedies , they won’t miraculously get you white teeth and  may take some time to fully work. If you’re that impatient, get it all done with a single visit to the dentist, and come face to face with their haunting weapons. The choice is yours!


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