Discoloration can affect the beauty of our smiles. People with unsightly discoloration in their smiles may feel less than confident about their appearance. However, in addition to removing stains with teeth whitening, patients can take steps to reduce their severity. People often ask, “How do I prevent teeth stains?” Prevention is as easy as maintaining a healthy smile.
Teeth Stain Prevention Quiz
- True or False: Smoking can lead to discoloration.
- True or False: The foods and drinks we consume can stain our teeth.
- True or False: Proper oral care can help prevent stains.
- True or False: A dental cleaning is necessary for a bright smile.
Answer Key
- True. Smoking can cause unsightly yellow stains to appear on your teeth. In addition, smoking can increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, endangering your oral and overall health.
- True. Foods with a high amount of sugar and drinks that contain dark pigments (tea, coffee, red wine, and soda) can all lead to the onset of discoloration. By drinking more water and adding healthier snacks to your diet, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy, you can help reduce the severity of future teeth stains.
- True. With routine oral care you can help decrease the odds of developing teeth stains. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Doing so helps keep your smile bright and healthy. We can discuss proper oral care and answer any questions you may have.
- True. A dental cleaning is the only way to completely remove plaque from your teeth. Having a dentist or hygienist clean your teeth reduces the risk of discoloration, cavities, and gum disease. Most people need a cleaning once every six months.
