Say Goodbye to Stains: 5 Tips for a Whiter Smile

Posted By: | Published On: | Dental Care Tips Blogs, Oral Health Blogs, Teeth Whitening Blogs
whitened smile

We all dream of having a bright, white smile. A dazzling smile is a confidence booster that can spread your smile even wider. Unfortunately, however, stained teeth can be quite a common and pesky issue many Australians face.

While stained teeth are not always an indicator of unhealthy teeth or poor oral health, they can really do a number on your confidence — especially in social situations. 

So, what’s causing your teeth to discolour? Well, there are a few possible reasons for this. Sometimes, it could be caused by an underlying dental problem. Also called “intrinsic stains”, they result from long-standing tooth infections, nutritional deficiencies or genetic predispositions. 

But did you know that teeth stains can also occur as a result of certain lifestyle habits? Yes! Known as “extrinsic stains”, they are caused by things like that cup of coffee or tea you can’t go without or habits like smoking. The good news is that our dentists at Wyndham Dental can treat these stains quickly with our professional teeth whitening solutions. These stains, however, can be avoided in the first place to keep your teeth whiter for longer. 

How To Avoid Brown Teeth Stains & Keep Your Teeth White? 

1. Steer clear of food and beverages with strong pigments: 

The general rule of thumb is that if food/drinks can stain your clothes or tongue, it can also stain your teeth. If you consume food and drinks with strong pigments regularly, it can stain your teeth. The pigments can penetrate the enamel (the protective outer layer of teeth), causing discolouration. Acidic foods and drinks can also cause your enamel to erode, making your teeth more prone to discolouration. 

Some common teeth-staining food and drinks are: 

  • Coffee & tea
  • Red wine
  • Sports & soft drinks  
  • Curry
  • Dark-coloured fruits & veggies (beetroot, berries, etc.)
  • Vinegar 

We get it. It can be quite difficult to cut these out of your diet completely – especially if you can’t say no to a cup of coffee or tea. What if you can still enjoy your favourite food and drinks and minimise their effects on your teeth? Here’s how: 

  • Drink through a straw to reduce contact with the front of your teeth 
  • Rinse your mouth with water after consuming these foods/drinks
  • Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables (like apples and celery) to boost saliva
  • Maintain good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing

2. Quit smoking 

Smoking can contribute greatly to the yellowing of teeth. By avoiding this habit, you can also reduce your risk of a host of dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer. 

3. Check for side effects of medications 

Guess what? Some of the medications and antibiotics you take can also stain your teeth. If you’ve been taking them since childhood, discolouration may be prominent. Talk to your dentist or doctor about alternatives if you suspect your medication is causing teeth stains. 

4. Follow a proper, consistent oral hygiene routine 

You can’t slack off on your oral hygiene routine if you want a whiter, brighter smile. It’s crucial in preventing your pearly whites from losing their sparkle. Poor oral hygiene can allow plaque and tartar to build up in your mouth. The bacteria in plaque can wear down the tooth enamel, causing discolouration. 

Want to keep plaque at bay? Here’s what you can do:    

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Use a fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristle toothbrush 
  • Floss your teeth once daily 
  • Cut down on sugary drinks and snacks that contribute to tooth decay
  • Use a mouthwash (as recommended by your dentist) 

Remember – brushing and flossing alone won’t help if you don’t follow the proper technique. If you’re not sure, ask our friendly dentists to give you a quick demonstration. 

5. Visit the dentist for regular checkups and cleaning 

Regular dental checkups every 6 months and a proper oral hygiene routine is the formula for a dazzling smile. During these checkups, our dentists will assess your mouth and remove any plaque that may have built up and stubborn stains to keep your smile bright and healthy. These checkups also allow our dentists to catch and treat potential dental problems early on before they can cause more problems. Don’t worry if your teeth are already stained or discoloured. Speak to our friendly team at Wyndham Dental, and we’ll help you remove stains on your teeth. We offer both In-House and At-Home Teeth Whitening solutions to give you visibly whiter teeth. Depending on the cause of discolouration, you can even opt for cosmetic dental solutions like dental veneers and dental crowns to restore your beautiful, bright smile!