1. Nicotine
Two culprits that stain your teeth when
smoking are nicotine and tar. Although nicotine is a colorless
substance, it turns yellow when mixed with oxygen. As you inhale the
smoke, nicotine and tar find their way into microscopic openings in the
enamel, causing unsightly yellow or brown stains.
2. White wine
We know red wine can stain teeth, but it
turns out white wine can too. A 2009 study at the New York University
found that white wine does indeed put people at risk of tooth staining –
the tannins and acids it contains can create rough spots and grooves in
the teeth that allow chemicals in other drinks (coffee and tea for
example) to penetrate deeper into the tooth enamel.
3. Certain medications
Be aware that the medication you’re taking
may cause your teeth to stain or go yellow. The most common ones include
antihistamines, blood-pressure medication, antipsychotic drugs and some
antibiotics. Talk to your doctor about alternatives if you’re
concerned.
4. Over-whitening your pearly whites
Be cautious of over-whitening your teeth –
the chemicals used may make the enamel thinner, causing them to become
more porous. Experts are still debating whether or not this is true, but
in the meantime always chat to your dentist about teeth whitening, and
avoid OTC products. You only get one permanent set – so look after them!
5. Sugar
The sugars in those delicious treats stick
to your teeth and are eaten by bacteria in your mouth. While the
bacteria feed off the sugars, they release acids that cause tooth decay.
So eat sugar in moderation and always wash away any leftover sugar with
a glass of water.
6. Berries
Although full of antioxidants, berries can
stain your teeth. The dark colour of blueberries, cranberries,
raspberries and blackberries can cause staining regardless of whether
you eat them whole or drink them in a juice. After eating berries, drink
a glass of water to wash away any juice left in your mouth. You can
also drink milk or eat a portion of hard cheese after consuming berries –
it also helps to neutralise the acid. Strawberries, on the other hand,
contain malic acid that can actually dissolve surface stains on your
teeth. If you want to avoid stained teeth, stick to strawberries and
other fruits that are lighter in colour and contain more water, like
watermelon.
7. Citrus and acidic foods
Do you have a yellowish tinge to your teeth?
Acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes could be the cause. The acid
erodes the enamel, exposing the yellow-hued dentin (this tissue is made
up of calcium and phosphate).
If your mouthwash contains chlorhexidine and
cetylpyridinium chloride, it could cause teeth staining. Check the
labels and ask your dentist what they recommend.
9. Illness and treatments
Some diseases (such as calcium metabolism
disorders, rickets and fungal infections) can cause tooth
discolouration. Treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can also cause
brown tooth discolouration.
SOURCE: HEALTH 24
