Dental hygiene is important — as is being proud of your pearly whites.
But keeping your teeth bright and white can be a challenge, with various factors causing discoloration.
Dr. Ronald Santana, head of science and development at Oral Biolife in Pennsylvania, noted that tooth discoloration refers to the “staining or darkening of the teeth” from internal or external factors.
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“Extrinsic discoloration is caused by changes in tooth enamel color from external factors such as smoking, food or beverages, including coffee, tea and red wine,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“Intrinsic discoloration affects the dentin of teeth and is caused by certain medications taken during childhood (tetracyclines), dental trauma and certain diseases (liver disease).
A dentist’s rule of thumb is: “If it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth.” (iStock)
Dr. Erin Fraunddorf, owner of BOCA Orthodontic and Whitening Studio in Ladue, Missouri, agreed that many factors can cause tooth discoloration.
While “there’s no way to know the cause without being evaluated and diagnosed by a professional,” the expert said diet, smoking, medications, trauma, genetics, thin enamel and tooth wear through grinding and chewing can all lead to discoloration.
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“A good rule of thumb is if it can stain a white T-shirt, it can stain your teeth,” he told Fox News Digital.
Santana and Fraunddorf offered seven tips on how to make your teeth whiter and brighter.
1. Develop an oral care routine
Fraundorf recommended brushing at least twice a day with an electric toothbrush and using fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) toothpaste.
“Avoid using charcoal or other abrasive toothpastes, as they break down the enamel over time, darkening the teeth,” she said.
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“Turn mundane oral care into a self-care ritual to make it an experience,” she added.
While some people may feel inclined to try at-home teeth whitening treatments, Santana stressed that “care should be taken in choosing a safe and effective at-home approach to teeth whitening.”
Experts say it’s best to avoid using charcoal or other “abrasive” toothpastes. (iStock)
“Avoid trying home remedies before seeing a dentist, because some substances can damage tooth enamel,” she warned.
“Adequate” tooth brushing is an “effective” way to reduce the discoloration of your teeth, according to Santana.
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“Brushing teeth with proper brushing technique, using whitening toothpaste, and using an electric toothbrush are effective resources for reducing tooth discoloration.”
Fraundorf added that flossing with toothpaste, flossing to remove plaque and using a tongue scraper daily to reduce bacteria can also promote whiter teeth.
2. Drink more water
Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” according to Fraundorf.
“The next time you have that cup of coffee or glass of red wine, drink some water between sips and take a break,” she advises.
Water is “the best thing you can drink to keep your teeth healthy and white,” suggested one dentist. (iStock)
“The water will not only prevent staining particles from sticking to your teeth, but it will also help neutralize the acidity of the drink.”
Fraunddorf also recommended choosing still water instead of sparkling water.
“Drink and drink with it often to neutralize your oral environment and fight stains,” she suggested.
3. Chew sugar-free gum
Studies show that cavities are “significantly lower” in patients who chew sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after a meal, Fraundorf noted.
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“Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva flow by stimulating the mechanical and taste receptors in the mouth,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Saliva helps remove food particles as well as dilute and neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria on the teeth, leading to a reduction in cavities and stains.”
4. Drink through a straw
Using a straw, especially when drinking dark, acidic or sugary drinks, can help reduce the contact of these substances with your teeth.
Drinking through a straw reduces liquid contact with your teeth, experts advise. (iStock)
“For extra credit, try sipping drinks faster to reduce the time your oral environment is exposed to a lower pH, therefore reducing the amount of enamel damage,” Fraundorf said.
5. Fight stains with fruits and vegetables
Certain foods and drinks — such as red wine, soda, soy sauce, curry, balsamic vinegar and coffee — can stain your teeth and should be avoided, Santana said.
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“Additionally, although the scientific evidence is limited, eating a balanced, healthy diet – containing strawberries, grapes, apples, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, cheese, celery, carrots, broccoli and almonds – may limit tooth staining “, write down.
Fraunddorf agreed that “superfoods may be one of the best (and tastiest) ways to whiten your teeth naturally.”
Superfoods like strawberries can help whiten teeth, according to experts. (iStock)
“Strawberries, apples and watermelon are all high in malic acid, which helps whiten your smile by removing surface stains and increasing saliva,” she said.
Other superfoods that can help whiten teeth include celery and leafy greens, as their “fibrous texture acts like a natural toothbrush, scrubbing plaque off your teeth,” Fraundorf added.
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“Dark, leafy greens also contain calcium, neutralizing the effects of acids, and an abundance of folate, which is essential for the growth of gum tissue cells.”
6. Visit the dentist
“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile,” Fraundorf told Fox News Digital.
“Set a calendar reminder to have regular checkups and cleanings with your general dentist.”
Santana added, “Your dentist can prescribe safe and customized teeth whitening resources tailored to your specific needs.”
Patients should visit the dentist for a general checkup every six months, experts recommend. (iStock)
7. Consider professional teeth whitening
While being diligent about oral care can help keep teeth bright, Fraundorf suggested that professional teeth whitening could be necessary to “take your smile to the next level.”
“Maintaining excellent oral health is the most important thing you can do to achieve a bright smile.”
“Whitening treatments are not one-size-fits-all, so it’s important to seek individualized care,” she said.
“The most ideal whitening treatment is a treatment tailored to you, created based on your unique smile goals, tooth composition, diet, sensitivity level and lifestyle.”
He added: “Many factors go into a proper diagnosis and customized teeth whitening treatment plan to ensure the best, most comfortable and beautiful results.”
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Artificial tooth structures, such as crowns, veneers and composites, will not whiten, according to the expert – meaning whitening these teeth will require additional restorative work.
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