One of the great ironies of life is that some of the problems that plague us are the result of our own habits. This is a universal realization that applies to your oral care just as much as any other aspect of your existence. With that established, your dentist of Spring Lake considers it important for you to be aware of certain daily practices that could be contributing to your dental woes. As you continue reading you’ll learn about specific contributors to stains and broken teeth, and through your awareness you’ll be able to prevent them.
Common Causes of Teeth Stains
Studies show that one-third of Americans say that the first thing they notice about a person is their teeth. That’s because the condition of your smile is held high in our society. Furthermore, it has an impact on how you feel about yourself.
One of the characteristics of a perfect smile is to glow white and bright. Its antithesis, then, is one that is stained, and it’s caused by certain daily habits, which when identified can be avoided. They include:
- Drinking black teas, wine or coffee
- Consuming deeply colored sauces (soy, tomato, curry)
- Drinking colored sodas
- Eating dark fruits and vegetables like beets and berries
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
What Causes the Stains?
The main reason that tea, coffee, wine and certain foods stain your teeth is tannins. Naturally occurring, they can cause the respective pigments in the drinks or foods to stick to your enamel if not removed immediately after consumption.
The staining culprits in sodas are coloring agents and other chemicals while the discoloration brought on by tobacco use is due to nicotine and tar.
Daily Habits that Can Lead to Broken or Chipped Teeth
Along with causing teeth staining, your daily habits can lead to chipped or broken teeth. Here are some examples of things to avoid:
- Falls – Simple factors like the type of shoes you wear can play a role in your susceptibility to falling, which indirectly correlates to the condition of your teeth. This is because a fall can lead to a chip or break. As a means of prevention, you can be sure to wear shoes that provide stability and be mindful of where you’re stepping at all times.
- Face Trauma – If you’re involved in some kind of sport or other event that involves the risk of a collision, then you’re open to face trauma, which can crack or chip your teeth. One suggestion is to wear a custom mouthguard.
- Using Your Teeth as Tools – Using your teeth to trim your nails or open a bottle goes beyond the scope of their intended function and can lead to problems.
- Food Mishaps – Finally, try to avoid eating things like popcorn kernels or ice, as they can spell disaster for your teeth and can even lead to a dental emergency.
Now that you are more informed, you can make the changes in your daily practices necessary to protect your pearly whites from the stains and chips that will compromise your smile.
To learn more about how to maintain a beautiful set of teeth just reach out to your local dentist and prepare to shine bright!
About the Author
Dr. Edward J. Dooley received his undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine. A member of the American Dental Association and several other professional organizations, Dr. Dooley practices at Dooley Dental and can be reached for more information through his website.
