Stains, Stains, Go Away

With dinners, cocktail hours, company celebrations and family gatherings on the calendar this time of year, there are a lot of opportunities to sip on drinks that may stain your smile.[1] Coffee, red wine, soda and tea are all culprits that may dull the whiteness of your teeth. Here are a few ways you can prevent stains from sticking to your smile.

Before you refill your glass of pinot or your cup of coffee, have a glass of water. Swishing it a little will help remove any remaining residue from your previous drink. Bonus: Extra H₂0 will help you stay hydrated, which is also good for your smile and your overall health.

You can also pop some sugar-free gum after you’re done drinking. Chewing gum produces extra saliva, which helps wash away residue and food particles.[2] It’ll also freshen your breath, which you may need after coffee! If you can find gum with xylitol, that’s a great option — this sugar substitute may help suppress cavity-causing bacteria.[3]

Brushing and flossing is always a must, but they’re even more important after an evening drinking any kind of tooth-staining drink, including coffee, red wine and punch.[4]

Finally, be sure to get your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Your dentist will be able to remove stains before they get out of hand, or recommend a whitening treatment if desired.[5]

[1] http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-mouth-15/beautiful-smile/stains-teeth

[2] http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Search/22,16214

[3] http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/Search/22,HD24

[4] http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-mouth-15/beautiful-smile/stains-teeth

[5] http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-mouth-15/beautiful-smile/stains-teeth