7 Ways to Prevent Stains on Teeth

Most of us dream of achieving a bright, white smile, but what many of us don’t know is preventing stains on teeth can be quite challenging. Every day, we always encounter food, drinks, and habits that may cause teeth stains, making it difficult for us to keep that natural shine. 

However, there’s just more to that than particles passing through our mouths, and our dentists at Whitehorse Dental are here to help you out. 

With this, we want you to understand the causes of stained teeth and offer simple ways to prevent teeth staining, ensuring your smile stays bright and healthy. 

Let’s get on to it! 

Understanding the Two Types of Stains 

Before diving into the tips to prevent teeth stains, we think it’s also good for you to know that there are two types of teeth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. 

Intrinsic Stains 

Intrinsic stains come from within the tooth. These types of stains can result from dental trauma, certain medications, or natural aging. Some people may also have more naturally yellow or darkened teeth due to genetic factors. 

Unfortunately, internal stains cannot be removed by regular brushing or over-the-counter whitening products. The only solution to whiten internal stains is through professional whitening treatments that use peroxide-based products like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients penetrate the tooth’s surface, which will break down the stains from the inside out. 

Extrinsic Stains 

Extrinsic stains occur on the surface of the teeth. These are often caused by our daily habits and the food and drinks we consume. Foods and drinks with strong pigments, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and certain sauces, can leave behind dark stains. Smoking and chewing tobacco are also common culprits. 

External stains can often be managed with regular cleaning and good oral hygiene practices, but professional dental cleanings may still be necessary to remove the darker and tougher stains. 

Because of that, let’s focus on helping you prevent getting these kinds of stains. 

Common Causes of External Teeth Stains 

To understand how to prevent teeth stains, it helps to be aware of the common causes of external stains: 

• Dark-coloured foods such as berries, curry, and soy sauce can contribute to teeth discolouration. 

• Coffee and tea are notorious for causing teeth stains due to their high tannin content. 

• Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that leave yellowish or brownish stains on teeth. 

• Chewable iron supplements can also cause dark spots on teeth. 

• Swimming in pools with high chlorine levels can result in a specific type of staining common among swimmers. 

7 Ways to Prevent Teeth Staining 

Now that you understand the causes, let’s explore some effective ways to prevent stains on teeth and keep your smile looking its best. 

1. Drink Water Immediately After Eating or Drinking Staining Foods 

One of the simplest ways to prevent stains on teeth is to drink water immediately after consuming foods or drinks that cause staining. This helps wash away the pigments before they settle on the surface of your teeth. 

For example, after enjoying a cup of coffee or a curry dish, take a sip of water after your drink or meal to rinse your mouth. This small habit can go a long way in maintaining the colour of your teeth. Similarly, while swimming, make sure to sip water frequently to help reduce the effects of chlorine exposure. 

2. Brush Your Teeth Regularly 

Good oral hygiene is the cornerstone of preventing stained teeth. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove surface stains and prevent plaque buildup that can lead to further discolouration. 

3. Use Interdental Brushes 

Plaque and tooth stains often accumulate between the teeth, where regular toothbrushes may not reach. That’s why using interdental brushes or flossing regularly is essential to clean these hard-to-reach areas and prevent staining. 

Interdental brushes are designed to get into the gaps between your teeth to remove any food particles or plaque that may contribute to discolouration. 

4. Avoid Brushing Too Hard 

While it may be tempting to brush your teeth harder and more vigorously whenever you see staining on your teeth, it is best to not do so. Brushing too hard may actually cause more harm than good. Brushing with too much pressure can wear down the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the teeth. When enamel is damaged, it exposes the softer dentin underneath, which makes your teeth appear more yellow. 

Instead, focus on brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your enamel while effectively cleaning your teeth. 

5. Limit Your Intake of Staining Foods and Drinks 

If you want to know how to prevent teeth stains, one of the most straightforward methods is to limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks. While it may be difficult to cut out favourites like coffee or red wine completely, reducing your intake or using a straw to drink these beverages can help minimise contact with your teeth. 

6. Don’t Smoke 

Smoking is one of the leading causes of stained teeth. The chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and tar, cling to the surface of the teeth, leaving behind stubborn yellow or brown stains. Quitting smoking not only improves your overall health but also significantly reduces your risk of tooth discolouration. 

7. Visit Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings 

If you start to notice teeth stains that you can’t remove with brushing or other at-home methods, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning. Dental cleanings with our EMS Airflow ™ machine is the most effective and gentle way to lift any extrinsic stains from the teeth.  Regular professional cleanings are an excellent way to ensure your teeth remain stain free and sparkling white. 

Say Goodbye to Teeth Stains

Preventing stained teeth is all about maintaining good oral hygiene habits, being mindful of what you consume, and knowing when to seek professional help. 

Whether it’s drinking water after meals, using interdental brushes, or scheduling regular dental cleanings, these simple steps can go a long way in keeping your smile bright and healthy. 

For stubborn internal stains that won’t go away with brushing, professional whitening treatments may be the best option for you. See the difference with the help of our professional dentists at Whitehorse Dental. We offer a range of solutions to help restore the natural beauty of your smile. 

Book an appointment with us today, so we can give your teeth a little makeover.