Let your smile shine

Abright, white smile is something that takes years off your appearance and boosts your confidence. Years of poor eating, cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to substantial staining and dental decay. Bleaching your teeth is effective and generally considered safe. However, post bleaching some people experience gum irritation and increased sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods. But, the best way to keep your teeth at their whitest is by avoiding foods that stain teeth.

Following are some of the foods and beverages that can stain your teeth:

TEA AND COFFEE

Coffee holds the numero uno spot for foods that stain your teeth. If you cannot go on without your morning pick-me-up, drink a mild coffee diluted with milk or cream, or try drinking through a straw. Tea, if had on a regular basis, can lead to unsightly teeth stains. Opting for green, white and herbal teas is healthier.

RED WINE

The acids in wine create rough spots and grooves that not only discolour your teeth but also cause staining to penetrate deeper into the tooth. Just like coffee and tea, opt for white wine or rinse your mouth with water after drinking.

BEETROOT

Beetroot stains the teeth. In fact, beetroot juice is more potent than whole beetroot, since the staining pigments are concentrated. Swirling water in your mouth after eating will help get rid of beetroot stains.

TOBACCO

It is the worst of all the above offenders. Smoking or chewing tobacco causes dark brown or black stains, due to coal tar combustion in the tobacco and the penetration of tobacco juices, pigments into your teeth and gums.

Here are some tips to get rid of teeth stains:

■ Brush your teeth twice a day. Or swirl water in your mouth after tea, coffee and meals to prevent plaque.

■ Floss regularly.

■ Sip juices, colas, tea, and coffee with a straw.

■ Eating something crunchy like an apple, pear, lettuce or carrot makes the fibre rub against your teeth and prevents the food particles from sticking between teeth.

■ Mix equal parts of salt and baking soda. Before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, dip the toothbrush in this mixture and then brush your teeth.

PHOTO: BHUSHAN KOYANDE Sipping drinks with straws prevents staining of teeth