Many patients can’t imagine going without their daily caffeinated beverage. But over time, these liquids can discolor and damage your teeth. For example, coffee and tea contain dark pigmented compounds called tannins that stick to teeth, causing stains. And soda contains sugar and acid that will slowly erode your enamel, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
We recommend drinking water whenever possible to stay hydrated. Water promotes saliva production to keep your mouth healthy. Plus, it is essential for a strong body. But if you do drink coffee, tea, or soda, be sure to do so in moderation and to follow the following tips.
Rinse with Water
When enjoying any beverage other than water, rinse your teeth with water afterward. Swishing water around your mouth will help remove the dark and/or sugary liquid from the surface of your teeth. This helps prevent the dark pigments and sugar particles from lingering.
Drink Quickly
The longer you take to drink your caffeinated beverage, the more likely you are to stain your teeth and experience tooth decay. This is because you are giving the liquid particles more time to stay on the surface of your teeth. Savor your drink but don’t sip on it all day long.
Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, to brush your tongue every day, and to floss daily.
Additionally, visit North River Dental Care, your dentist in Fredericksburg, VA, at least every six months. A regular dental examination allows Dr. Bailey to detect any oral health problems early before they become worse. Your biannual visit will also include a professional dental cleaning. Our dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and superficial stains from your teeth.
Daily brushing and flossing at home and routine professional cleanings at the dentist will decrease your risk of bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and discolored teeth!
Professional Teeth Whitening in Fredericksburg, VA
Even with the best oral hygiene routine, you can still get discolored teeth. A duller smile is something that happens to nearly everyone as they age. Fortunately, we offer professional teeth whitening in Fredericksburg, VA.
So if you are looking to brighten your smile, we offer both in-office whitening sessions and custom take-home teeth whitening trays. Contact us today to discuss your whitening options at North River Dental Care. We look forward to helping you improve your smile!
