Here, dentists share some of the most common ways you might be staining your teeth unknowingly.
Believe it or not, as unsightly as we might think they are, stains on our teeth are totally normal. If you’re hoping to avoid stains on your teeth, it helps to know how you’re getting them in the first place.
“Coffee introduces bacteria to the enamel, causing it to wear away,” explains Jeffrey Sulitzer, D.M.D., Chief Clinical Officer at SmileDirectClub. A solution Dr. Sulitzer recommends drinking a cup in one sitting, having a glass of water right after and then brushing your teeth half an hour after.
“People on the go can forget to prioritize brushing teeth properly in the morning and evening and doing both is essential, as it washes away that stain producing bacteria from the day and night,” says Dr. Sulitzer, who recommends using an electric toothbrush, as it makes cleaning easier.
it may be causing your teeth to change color. This is due to the acids, tannins, and natural dyes that hit the enamel on your teeth, explains Lauren Becker, D.D.S., a General and Cosmetic Dentist in N.Y.C. She suggests opting for a lighter alternative once in a while like white wine or clear spirits.
While you certainly don’t want to cut protein, an essential macronutrient, out of your diet, it may not be a bad idea to make sure you’re eating the right amounts and not overdoing it.