Five Common Habits That Can Stain Your Teeth: Insights from a Teeth Whitening Dentist in Sauganash, Chicago
It can be hard to feel confident smiling wide if your teeth are discolored or stained. Unfortunately, many individuals have certain habits that end up staining their teeth over time. Are you wondering what these include? Below, this teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago is going to review five of the most common habits that can lead to stained teeth.
Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Smoking is truly one of the worst habits you can have. Besides its harmful effects on your lungs and heart, sustained tobacco use can also negatively affect your oral health. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes can penetrate your tooth enamel and stain it. Over time, tobacco can destroy the enamel, resulting in tooth decay and gum disease as well.
Drinking Sugary Drinks/Soda
As any teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago will tell you, drinking sugary drinks and soda can be one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. pH levels in these drinks are relatively low, which means they have acidic properties that can eat away at enamel and cause teeth discoloration. On the other hand, the high sugar content provides a perfect breeding ground for bacteria that feed on sugars and produce plaque. The sugar can also cause tooth decay and negatively affect your metabolism.
Drinking Excessive Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is not hard to see why. Many people drink coffee because of its great taste and positive effects on energy levels and mental alertness. Coffee contains antioxidants that can also help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. It can even help control blood pressure.
Sadly, there are some downsides to drinking coffee that are not as obvious at first glance. Due to the presence of tannic acids (tannins) in coffee, for example, excessive consumption can lead to stained teeth over time. These tannins are similar to those found in tea, red wine, and berries.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking enough water is the simplest way to keep your teeth clean and healthy. The average person needs six to eight glasses of water a day, but most people don’t drink that much.
If you are not drinking enough, your mouth and teeth can become dry. Dry mouths are perfect breeding grounds for oral bacteria, which can cause tooth discoloration and accelerate enamel breakdown. Your teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago will recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the day — and especially after eating.
Certain Medications
Some medications, like antibiotics and antidepressants, can cause unwanted staining of your teeth. Even common pain relievers can be to blame.
The best way to avoid this problem is to check the list of ingredients on the back of any medication you are taking to see if it contains tetracycline or other substances known to cause tooth discoloration. If it does, ask your doctor about a different prescription that does not contain these potentially harmful ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There are many habits that can stain your teeth — however, professional teeth whitening is one of the best ways to remove the stains and get your smile looking its best. Depending on your situation, you might benefit from visiting your teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago for a whitening treatment once per year. Professional teeth whitening can also help remove stains that are so stubborn they don’t come out with regular brushing and flossing.
Looking for the Top-Rated Teeth Whitening Dentist in Sauganash, Chicago?
Are you hoping to undergo a professional teeth whitening treatment? If so, and if you’re looking for the top-rated teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago, you’ve come to the right place — Dr. Gordon J. Ziols and the team at Smile Innovations are here to help. Contact us today at (773) 763-1000 to schedule to discuss your options.