First of all, let’s talk about the causes of dull-looking teeth. Why do our teeth get stained or dull? Moreover, what can we do about it? We all know that there are some specific foods from which we can get a stain on our teeth, such as caffeine, red wine, sugar, turmeric and many more. Secondly, we will tell you how can prevent your teeth from being yellowish without any harm.
Causes
Diet
Diet: is the most important factor related to dull and dirty looking teeth. Some foods contain natural food pigmentation that can lead to stains and dull the natural enamel of the teeth. These foods like ice-cream, chocolates, bakery goods etc. consist of high sugar. One key point to remember is that when these sugary foods are consumed, they produce double the bacteria in the mouth affecting the gums and teeth. Therefore, rinsing the mouth or brushing it after having sweet is a must.
Smoking
Smoking: dental hygiene becomes even more difficult for smokers, and coffee and tea drinkers. Caffeine nicotine and tar available in tobacco products are serious culprits for destroying a beautiful smile. If you are a smoker, chances are you also consume tea or coffee, which is double trouble.
Illness
Illness: some common illnesses like gingivitis also reduce the natural shine of the teeth. While most dental illnesses can be cured through proper dental hygiene, some may require serious medical advice. Stomach related problems can also negatively affect dental health. Hence, if you suffer from dull teeth and bad breath, it is a good idea to visit a general practitioner.
Oral Hygiene
Poor Oral Hygiene: common dental problems are usually because of poor dental hygiene and oral health. Using a good quality toothbrush and a variety of toothpaste twice a day is usually enough for most people. The world dental health association recommends switching toothpaste brands every two months.
Flossing is also an extremely important yet ignored practice. A survey conducted by the United Kingdom oral health foundation concluded that people who floss regularly are at lower risk of dental illness.
Remedies of Dull teeth
If you are already following basic principles of dental hygiene, then here are some easy tips to remove stains and dullness from your teeth.
Use Fruits and Vegetables: consumption of fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help you maintain your teeth enamel. Fruits and veggies are high in fiber which clean teeth as you chew on them. The natural acidity found in apples gently polishes the teeth and also helps in killing the germs.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide: one of the oldest tricks in the book is using baking soda on teeth. Brush your teeth twice a week with baking soda instead of your toothpaste. You will be pleased to notice the results in only a couple of weeks. Adding a few drops of lemon juice to soda will increase the cleaning action because of the citric acid of the lemon.
Apple cider vinegar: Another product of apple is apple cider vinegar. Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to drinking water and consuming it will polish teeth and deal with bad breath. Consuming apple cider vinegar is also good for removing stomach problem which may be responsible for your bad breath and stained teeth.
Preservation of Keeping Your Teeth White
Brush your tongue:Another reason for eating fruits and vegetables is that they also clean the tongue. This can also be done while gently scrubbing the tongue with your toothpaste while brushing.
Throw out your old toothbrush: good quality toothpaste also ensures that your teeth gleam and sparkle. It is important to get a good quality brush every two months. If you see the bristles of your toothbrush bending, it is time to change it.
Rinse your mouth with cider vinegar mixed with water: apple cider vinegar rinse is also a quick tip to maintain good teeth and prevent staining.
Avoid dark foods: dark-colored cola drinks and strong-flavored energy drinks have both the known to stain your teeth. Therefore, avoid these drinks if you want to maintain a shiny smile. This is also the case with some dark-colored foods like black pasta, dark grapes, berries, brinjals, deed root, etc.
Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water is also an excellent and quick shiner. One recently conducted study proved up to a 30% improvement in teeth color in only a few days. Just rinse a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with water in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit out.
A word of caution about baking soda and hydrogen peroxide though. These both are strong cleaning must not be used accessibly.
Follow these simple guidelines for healthy and shiny teeth. After all it’s not just about white teeth, it’s also a great confidence booster.