Gleaming white teeth are often seen as a sign of youthfulness and good health, but very few people are lucky enough to have naturally white teeth, especially as they get older. Tooth discolouration in Oshawa can occur because of several different factors.
Ageing
As you get older, you may notice your teeth become yellower or gray, and this is because the enamel covering the tooth becomes thinner. As it thins, the enamel lets more of the natural colour of the tooth shine through. The reason tooth enamel becomes thin is often because of acid erosion, where acid naturally present in food or created by bacteria gradually erodes the enamel. Tooth enamel can also be eroded if you brush your teeth too hard or use a hard-bristled toothbrush. However, you don’t need to brush your teeth very hard to get them thoroughly clean, as it’s more about using the right technique and choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Smoking
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are well known for staining teeth and causing bad breath. Although regular dental cleanings will help remove some of these stains, it is better to quit, which will help improve the colour of your teeth and protect your dental health in Ajax.
Food Choices
The foods you eat can make a tremendous difference to the colour of your teeth in Whitby. Coffee and tea are common culprits, as both contain tannins that stain teeth. Some drinks like red and white wine are more acidic, making it easier for these foods to soften tooth enamel and stain them. If you like soda, including diet soda, this can erode your enamel. The sugar in soda is converted into acid by bacteria present in the mouth, while diet soda is naturally more acidic. Highly coloured foods like tomato sauce, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar will all stain your teeth.
Reducing the Effect of Food on Your Tooth Colour
It is unrealistic to cut out all these foods from your diet, but you can mitigate the effect on your teeth by enjoying them in moderation. For example, after having something very highly coloured or sugary or acidic, try rinsing your mouth with plain water to wash away the excess particles. Another trick is to drink sugary and acidic beverages through a reusable straw, reducing contact with your teeth.
Wait at least half an hour after eating before you brush your teeth, as initially, your tooth enamel is softer after exposure to acids and brushing it while soft will erode it more easily. If you can’t brush your teeth soon after eating, try chewing sugar-free gum or gum containing xylitol. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which in turn helps to clean your mouth. Also, try to include plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables like celery, carrots and apples in your diet because these are high in fibre and have a slight scrubbing action on your teeth when you eat them. However, they are not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
What to Do If You Want a Whiter Smile?
Professional dental cleanings remove some surface stains, but if you are looking for a more significant improvement, you may want to investigate a professional teeth whitening treatment. A professional teeth whitening procedure can help lift deep-seated stains from your teeth quickly and effectively, and above all, safely. After making sure this treatment is appropriate, Margolian Dentistry can provide an in-office whitening treatment, where your teeth will look visibly brighter by several shades after just a single appointment. Alternatively, we can supply a custom-made home whitening kit, where you whiten comfortably in the comfort of your home, achieving excellent results within a couple of weeks or so.