Cosmetic Dentist in Winston-Salem

COFFEE, TEA, AND RED WINE LOVERS know all too well the effects these drinks have on teeth. The three of them are all the worst culprits for turning your smile into a dirty and drab mess. 

But did you know that many other foods and drinks can also cause discoloration of your tooth enamel? Don’t worry; we are not asking you to cut these foods out of your diet. But reducing consumption, learning tips from your cosmetic dentist in Winston-Salem, and improving your oral hygiene can help keep a bright, white, healthy smile.

What Causes Tooth Stains?

Chemical compounds called chromogens give some foods and drink their intense, dark color. Another substance called tannins can make your teeth much more likely to stain the outer surface. The acids wear down your teeth and increase the chance of the food and drink stains setting in. These are called extrinsic stains. A good rule of thumb to remember is that if something can stain your clothes or tongue, it can most likely stain your teeth.

What Foods Will Stain Teeth?

Confusingly, some foods and drinks that stain teeth contain many vitamins and minerals, which have health benefits, so you don’t want to cut them out of your diet. Read below for some of the worst staining offenders for tooth discoloration. 

• Tea and coffee
• Red wine
• Cola
• Fruit juices 
• Balsamic vinegar 
• Soy sauce 
• Berries
• Beetroot 
• Tomato-based sauces
• Curry
• Energy drinks

What can I do about stained teeth?

Sometimes heredity can make you more prone to staining. But the most significant factor, by far, is poor oral hygiene. Read below for tips from your cosmetic dentist in Winston-Salem, NC that you can take to help keep your smile shiny and white no matter the type of stain.

• Substitute a cup of tea for herbal tea.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking something that is staining.
• Eat crunchy fruit and vegetables, like apples, carrots, and celery. They increase saliva and scrub your teeth at the same time.
• Consider using a straw when drinking to keep liquid from touching your teeth.
• Brush your teeth twice a day, minimum, with a whitening toothpaste.

See Dr. Taylor, your cosmetic at Smile Sensations Dental, every six months or as frequently as advised for the brightest smile. He offers many cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as professional cleaning and teeth whitening, to brighten discolored teeth and return your beautiful smile.

Dr. Taylor can make custom trays that deliver prescription-strength whitening gel to your teeth. With this at-home treatment, you’ll wear the trays for up to 1 hour a day for a few weeks to whiten your teeth.

Visit Your Cosmetic Dentist in Winston-Salem

Caring for your oral health is essential for looking after your overall health. Contact our dental professionals today to schedule an appointment for personalized care from your cosmetic dentist in Winston-Salem. Ask us about our other dental services like porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and dental implants.