6 ways to remedy tooth discolouration
Having a dazzling white smile may be marred by several factors which can stain the teeth.
One of these is red wine which is notorious for staining teeth. The acids in wine eat away at tooth enamel, creating rough spots that make teeth more vulnerable to staining. It also contains chromogens and tannins which help the colour stick to your teeth.
Tea or coffee: Like wine, tea and coffee are rich in acidity and stain-promoting tannins. Pigments from these dark-coloured drinks become embedded in the microscopic pits and ridges of your tooth enamel, causing permanent, yellowing stains on your teeth.
Soft drinks: Acidic and chromogen-rich soft drinks can also cause significant staining. Recent research has found that highly acidic drinks, like sports or energy drinks, can erode tooth enamel, setting the stage for staining. In fact, the acidity in some carbonated drinks is so intense that it actually compares to the acidity in battery acid.
Cigarettes: Ingredients include ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, as well as other poisonous chemicals like nicotine and tar. When a cigarette is lit, these substances start burning, which changes their chemical properties. When inhaled, smoke passes through the mouth, leaving a sticky residue on the teeth, and instant staining.
Sweets: Hard candies, chewing gum, popsicles and other sweets often contain teeth-staining colouring agents. If your tongue turns a funny colour, there’s a good chance that your teeth will be affected, too.
Antibiotics: Tooth staining is also caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline, which discolours the tooth enamel itself. So if you’ve been heavy on the antibiotics in recent years, there’s a good chance that it has contributed to any discoloration.
So now that you know what has caused your teeth to discolour, let’s look at some natural ways to whiten teeth.
1. Brush teeth with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
2. Brush with baking soda after meals.
3. Eat strawberries and raw, water-rich vegetables like radish, celery and green cabbage.
4. Rub apple cider vinegar on teeth with cloth and then rinse.
5. Oil pulling with coconut oil.
6. Rub lemon rinds on teeth.
Lizel Britz 072 243 7707
