Teeth Whitening

Food Habits and Teeth Coloration

Certain types of foods and drinks can have a significant effect on the coloration of the teeth. They can stain the teeth and lead to them becoming less white. Common and well-known causes of tooth discoloration include tea, coffee, red wine and soda. However, there are a lot of other foods and drinks which can have a similar discoloring effect on the teeth. These include potatoes, apples and fruits such as blackberries and blueberries, which are dark in color, as well as other pigmented foods such as tomato sauce and soy sauce.

The discoloring effects of these types of foods can be reduced by avoiding them as much as possible and by taking proper care of the teeth. It can be a good idea to rinse the mouth out after eating or drinking anything that might cause discoloration. It is also important to clean the teeth regularly. Teeth should be brushed twice a day and flossed once a day in order to keep them healthy and to get rid of traces of food that could otherwise begin to stain the surface of the teeth.

Eating some types of foods can actually help make the teeth whiter. Baking soda, for example, can be used to brush the teeth in order to make them whiter. Eating acidic fruits such as oranges and strawberries can also help to whiten the teeth since the acid, which they contain can remove stains from the surface of the teeth. However, the same acid can also damage the tooth enamel if it is consumed too often. If the tooth enamel does get damaged, then the teeth can become discolored since the yellowish dentin underneath the white enamel will begin to show through.

The frequent consumption of sugar can also affect the coloration of the teeth. If sweet foods are eaten too often, they can increase the chances of tooth decay, which can lead to discoloration. It is the frequency of sugar consumption rather than the amount, which is eaten that determines its effect on the teeth. It is better for the teeth to eat a dessert after a meal rather than to snack on sweet foods throughout the day. It can also be helpful to rinse the mouth out after eating sugary foods.

Diet is not the only cause of tooth discoloration. Other lifestyle factors such as smoking can also result in discoloration. The coloration of the teeth can also be affected by tooth decay, trauma or damage to the teeth, and by certain diseases, particularly when they occur while the teeth are still developing in a child. Excessive exposure to fluoride at a young age can also affect the coloration of the teeth. The coloration of the teeth can also be affected by age. Some discoloration usually occurs as the teeth get older. Young children who still have milk or primary teeth, or whose adult teeth are still developing, may also have teeth that are less white. The primary teeth are naturally less white than adult teeth. Developing teeth may also be affected more by environmental factors than adult teeth, so the diet can have a more significant impact on tooth coloration.