If you want smile to be bright and healthy, you need to keep your teeth clean and free of stains. However, teeth naturally darken as we age and can be further discoloured through the consumption of certain foods and beverages. If your teeth are already duller than you would like, a dentist at a cosmetic dentistry clinic can brighten your smile with a wide range of professional teeth whitening products. But if you still have your pearly whites, you can prevent tooth staining by going easy on the following foods and drinks:

Coffee and Tea: For many people, mornings are tough until they get their cup of joe or black tea. However, the dark colour of these beverages turns teeth yellow or brown over time.

Red Wine: While a glass of red wine a day can be good for you, its deep red colour is easily left behind on your teeth.

Berries: Berries are full of antioxidants and are great for your health, but their rich colours mean they stain teeth.

Balsamic Vinegar: This wonderful salad-dressing ingredient’s dark and acidic properties make it a prime tooth staining culprit.

Curry Powder: This Indian spice contains turmeric, which is bright yellow. And while curry dishes are delicious, their brilliant colour can turn your teeth yellow.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

The easiest way to prevent these foods and beverages from staining your teeth is to stop consuming them. However, every dentist knows this is unrealistic, and will instead recommend that you just limit consumption of these foods. In addition, a dentist who practices cosmetic dentistry will advise you to rinse your mouth or drink a glass of water right after eating or drinking dark coloured substances, and to brush your teeth one to two hours later.

What if Teeth are Already Stained?

If advice on preventing stains comes too late, there are things you or your cosmetic dentistry office can do to remove stains on your teeth:

Use a Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash: For minor stains, your dentist will be able to recommend effective whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Invest in an Electric Toothbrush: Cosmetic dentistry practitioners love electric toothbrushes because they are much more effective at polishing the teeth than a traditional toothbrush. Using an electric toothbrush gives you a professional cleaning on a daily basis and keeps stains at bay for much longer than a manual brush.

Have them Whitened: If your teeth are deeply stained, get yourself to a cosmetic dentistry clinic. A dentist practicing cosmetic dentistry will have the most effective tools and methods for teeth whitening, helping you to achieve the bright, white smile you have always dreamed about!