We may be nearing the end of National Dental Hygiene Month, but that doesn’t mean your dental care should suffer come November 1. In fact, a much more heightened focus should be placed post-Halloween festivities. Consuming all the candy, chocolate, and sugary drinks is a recipe for (dental health) disaster. Not only do these sweet treats make you more susceptible to cavities, but they’re also a leading cause of yellowing teeth.
Two of the biggest questions dentists get are “what causes teeth stains?” and “how can I avoid them?” Alicia Schraner, D.D.S., a dentist at Yonkers Dental Arts, gets both quite often. “Yellowing can be caused by a wide array of factors, from medication use to inadequate brushing,” she says. “But the biggest culprits are smoking, drinking coffee and tea, and consuming highly pigmented foods. Genetics can also play a role, and some people just naturally have whiter teeth than others.”
Rule of thumb: If you’re looking to up-keep a megawatt smile, steering clear of “consuming highly pigmented foods” is also the move, according to Dr. Schraner. “Basically, think: any food or drink that can stain your clothes,” she adds.
Meet the Experts
Alicia Schraner, D.D.S., a dentist at Yonkers Dental Arts in Westchester County, New York.
In addition to keeping these dentist-recommended tips and products in mind, it’s important to remember that no at-home remedy supersedes getting a professional cleaning and check-up every six months. Consider the following a daily guide — but once you’re done adding each to your to-do list, be sure to book your next dentist appointment!
Oral-B Pro 1000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush
“Floss and brush thoroughly, every day!” says Dr. Schraner. “When plaque builds up on teeth, it makes them appear yellow.”
Guayaki Yerba Mate Tea Bags
“Limiting darkly colored foods and drinks helps,” she says. Quick hack: Dilute your coffee with more milk or opt for white tea over dark teas like English Breakfast or Earl Grey.
HIWARE 12-Pack Metal Straws
“Consuming dark beverages [like soda] through a straw can also help,” says Dr. Schraner. We recommend reaching for a metal straw, which benefits not only your smile but the environment as well.
Auraglow Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
“Utilizing at home or professional in-office whitening products can help to brighten your smile,” she says. “Any whitening treatment with the active ingredient [common types of bleach] hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide will be effective.”
Snow Teeth Whitening Strips
If you can’t afford an in-office treatment, Dr. Schraner shares that “a variety of over-the-counter options are available, including whitening strips and gels that are painted directly on the teeth or delivered in trays.” Reach for Snow whitening strips, a must-try for those with sensitive teeth.
We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.
