If your teeth are looking a little dull, there are many things you can do to prevent future stains — start with these five easy tips.

Everyone wants to have a bright, stain-free smile. When you have white teeth, you exude confidence from the inside-out, and your friends and you can see the benefits of good oral health and dental hygiene in your smile. Unfortunately, the foods you eat and the habits you keep can dull your smile over time. What can you do to prevent teeth stains? Start with these five easy tips.

1. Stay Away From Tobacco

Chewing or smoking tobacco is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health. Numerous studies have shown that smoking causes oral cancer, increases your risk of developing gum disease, and prevents your gums and teeth from healing naturally. From a cosmetic standpoint, just a few months of smoking cigarettes can turn your teeth from white to yellow, and years of heavy smoking can turn your teeth from yellow to brown. If you’re a smoker and are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, consult a doctor on how to quit smoking today. 

2. Avoid Foods Known To Cause Teeth Stains

Unfortunately, many of the foods we enjoy daily can stain our teeth over time. To keep your teeth white, you should avoid coffee, green tea, dark berries, soy sauce, sugary drinks (especially dark colas), cranberry juice, tomato sauce, and red wine as much as you can. All of these foods and drinks have certain properties that can break down your tooth enamel and leave behind stains.

However, we know a little secret that lets you enjoy a glass of wine from time to time while protecting your teeth. If you’re having wine, pair it with cheese! Cheese helps neutralize the acidity in the wine, forming a natural barrier that protects your teeth from chromogens. 

3. Eat Foods That Protect Your Teeth

While you’re avoiding staining foods and beverages, replace them with options that protect your teeth. Crunchy, water-heavy foods like celery, apples, and carrots increase saliva production as you chew, and your saliva helps neutralize any acids that might break down your tooth enamel and leave your teeth more susceptible to stains. 

You might think that strawberries would stain your teeth because of their bright red color, but these berries contain malic acid, a natural astringent that works to remove stains from the surface of your teeth. Yogurt and other dairy products do double-duty — the calcium strengthens your teeth and neutralizes the pH balance in your mouth to decrease stain-causing acidity. 

4. Sip Beverages Through A Straw

If you can’t live without a tall glass of iced tea on a summer afternoon but want to do your best to prevent stains, make sure you drink it through a straw. Drinking through a straw directs the beverage past your teeth so the liquid will avoid most contact with your teeth — particularly the teeth that show when you smile. For best results, put the straw at least halfway into your mouth to prevent your drink from hitting the outsides of your teeth.

5. Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned

Plaque buildup, a white, hard material that forms on your teeth, forms a sticky film that stains love to stick to. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash all help reduce plaque and keep your teeth white. You should make an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year to get a professional cleaning and polish. You can also ask your dentist about teeth whitening if you want your teeth to really shine before a special event like a wedding or high school reunion. 

Take Care of Your Bright Smile

If you follow these five tips and continue making regular trips to your dentist, you’ll be able to keep your smile bright and white for years to come. If you’re looking for a complete dental experience that combines excellence in dentistry with comfort, contact the dental professionals at Espire to schedule an appointment. Whether you’re worried about serious dental issues or have cosmetic concerns, a dazzling and healthy smile starts at Espire.