Tips for Preventing Teeth Stains

Tips for Preventing Teeth Stains

Did you know that yellowing and staining of the tooth enamel is not only normal but also incredibly common? Even still, it may be among your top dental health concerns. Common culprits of heavy staining include coffee, tea, soda, prescription medications, and cigarette smoking, but with these tips you can reduce the amount of tooth staining that occurs.

Brush Regularly

We were all taught to brush twice a day, but to help prevent staining it’s better to brush after every meal. If you eat or drink something that is heavily pigmented, then brushing immediately after your meal can help deter stains from setting in. 

Switch to Electric

Manual brushing is adequate, but the Academy of General Dentistry reports that many people brush more regularly with an electric toothbrush versus a manual toothbrush. Some people also tend to feel like they are getting a deeper cleaning with electric. In fact, the vibration of an electric toothbrush can help loosen plaque and tartar. Most electric brushes also include an alert feature to keep you from brushing too hard, so you don’t damage the enamel and make the teeth more prone to staining. 

Rinse Often

If you’re not able to brush after a meal, the next best thing is to rinse with some water. It’s as simple as taking a sip of water and swishing for a few seconds. This will wash away pigments and help dislodge any food in your teeth.

Include Mouthwash in Your Routine

Mouthwash is the perfect addition to round out your dental hygiene routine. By reducing plaque and tartar in the mouth, you’ll strengthen the tooth enamel to fortify it against stains. 

In addition to general dental care for patients of all ages, the office of John R. Carson, DDS offers professional teeth whitening and other cosmetic services. Learn more by scheduling an appointment at (520) 514-7203.