Three ways to prevent tooth discolouration

Dentist Blog

If your teeth are quite white and you'd like to keep them that way, here are a couple of things you can do to prevent discolouration.

Go for a scale and polish at least twice a year

Having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist at least twice a year will go a long way towards keeping them healthy and white.

During a scale and polish, your dentist will not only scrape off any tartar (i.e. hardened plaque that can cause decay) but will also use a special rotating electric tool, along with a gritty substance called prophylaxis paste, to polish your teeth.

This polishing process will help to remove deeply-embedded stains that have accumulated over time, which cannot be removed with a normal toothbrush and toothpaste.

Avoid acidic and sugary foods

Both acidic and sugary food and drink can affect the colour of your teeth. Whilst they do not usually cause extrinsic stains, things like fizzy drinks, cakes, chocolate and citrus fruits can erode the naturally-white outer layer of the tooth, called the enamel.

This, in turn, can result in the dentin (the layer underneath the enamel, which serves as a protective barrier for the tooth pulp) showing through. Because dentin is naturally yellow, its exposure can result in the tooth looking discoloured.

Once the enamel of a tooth has been eroded, it cannot be regenerated. As such, this type of discolouration cannot be fixed very easily. Most people who have this issue end up having their dentists fit dental caps (either crowns or veneers) to disguise the yellow-tinged teeth.

Brush your teeth after consuming tannin-rich drinks

A lot of drinks, including red wine, tea and coffee, are rich in tannins. Tannin is a type of polyphenol which, whilst natural and completely non-toxic, can cause major tooth discolouration. This is why people who regularly drink the aforementioned liquids often struggle to keep their teeth looking white.

The simplest way to avoid this type of discolouration is to avoid consuming these drinks. However, if you don't want to give up your daily cup of tea or coffee, or if you enjoy sipping on a glass of wine at the weekend, then it's important to get into the habit of brushing your teeth immediately after finishing your drink. This will prevent the stain from setting. If you often drink tea or coffee throughout the course of the workday, you might also want to pack a travel toothbrush and mini toothpaste tube, so that you can give your teeth a quick cleaning at work, too.

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26 October 2017

Dental Emergencies and Kids

As a mother, I've seen my kids' faces light up after they've lost a tooth – oh, the excitement they feel about getting their grown up teeth! However, I've also seen my kids become extremely scared and anxious after having an adult tooth knocked out. If you're a mom or a dad with a busy kid, chances are you might see a tooth knocked out in a skateboarding accident or a sport pile-up. This blog is dedicated to those moments when you could lose your wits, and it's here to ensure you don't. I am collecting and curating the best information about kids and dental emergencies here so that you will have it when you need it. Best of luck with your kids' smiles!