A pearly white smile surely does wonders. We can all agree that having straight and healthy looking teeth boosts confidence, makes someone appear younger and thus more attractive to others. As a matter of fact, pearly-white teeth have a positive effect on everyday life.
Individuals who are not ashamed of their smile are usually more outgoing and successful in life. On the other hand, unhealthy looking teeth do not leave a good impression, and they usually affect the whole appearance of the person. As it happens, a lot of people from all around the world feel uncomfortable because of how their teeth look.
One of the most common issues that concern dental health is tooth discolouration. There are numerous things that can alter the colour of our teeth from their natural white hue to a yellowish tint. Some think that their poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking are the main culprit. Others would agree that discolouration happens as a consequence of their unhealthy diet. To try and solve this common issue, here are some food and beverage staples that should definitely be avoided.
1. Coffee/tea
On the very top of the list is everyone’s favorite coffee. An average person drinks two to three mugs of coffee per day. This might not seem like an issue, but if we think about it, drinking coffee altogether is not the best idea if you are trying to avoid discolouration. Coffee gets a bad rep due to containing acidic polyphenols called “tannins.” Tannins are the main reason why coffee drinkers usually have a yellowish tint to their teeth. Also, the average morning joe is highly acidic to the body. What does this mean? High acidity leads to bad oral health and tooth decay. Other beverages that are acidic and should be avoided are, for example, sports drinks or soda, due to their high sugar content. Nevertheless, tea is not as healthy for our oral health as some might think it is. Tea, more specifically black tea or green also contain tannins. The best option for maintaining a pearly-white smile is to ditch coffee and tea and go for plain water.
2. Red wine
Next on the list is the notorious red wine. Although a glass or two is not as bad and can be actually beneficial for overall health, red wine contains previously mentioned tannins. Also, due to its rich red hue, it can stain the teeth for a longer period of time. On the contrary, since the holidays are approaching and you will surely want to enjoy some wine, you can try pairing it with a serving of almonds (or any nut of your choice). Chewing some nuts can stimulate saliva, which is great for neutralizing harmful acid attacks. If you feel like your teeth have already been affected and you need a quick fix, you can visit your oral hygienist at Penrith denture clinic and make an appointment. Various procedures are available such as getting porcelain veneers or dentures. Nevertheless, the most popular procedure is definitely teeth whitening, which can be helpful for people who want to desperately return their teeth to their natural colour.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is an exotic spice and it is used as a popular main ingredient in most Indian foods. For example, Curry is one of the dishes that most people like to enjoy on a weekly basis. The problem with turmeric is that it possesses a high staining factor. Due to its bright yellow colour, it may cause your white teeth to turn yellow in a matter of seconds. Unfortunately, brushing right after might not prove as helpful, so the best tip is to maybe try limiting this spice every once in a while. If this is too much of a challenge, then maybe just skip it if you have an important event that you must attend.
4. Berries and Beats
Berries are an excellent food choice for health-conscious individuals, because they are low in carbohydrates, but chocked full off antioxidants. Even though berries are great for general health and maintaining strong teeth, due to their dark colour, they may stain the teeth as well. A helpful tip if you enjoy berries is to brush your teeth right after you are done. Another brightly coloured health food that could cause discolouration is beets. Beets are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, but they may stain our hands, and more importantly, our teeth. Because of their rich pigments, these food items should be eaten cautiously!
In summary, having beautiful teeth can come with a lot of benefits in everyday life. Since we live in a society that values outer appearance, it is important to take care of our dental health. Discolouration is a common issue, and thankfully, there are a lot of ways to solve it. By avoiding some of the foods or beverages on this list (or simply limiting their intake), you will surely be one step closer to attaining the pearly whites of your dreams.
