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Over the years, our teeth can accumulate stains that are a consequence of food and drink and lifestyle habits. Some colorful drinks can particularly cause teeth stains, so even young people can have stained teeth. Dental stains can be classified as extrinsic, intrinsic, or age-related.

Extrinsic stains are stains on the surface of the teeth, while intrinsic stains are those that penetrate the interior of the teeth. Extrinsic stains are usually a result of food and drink pigments, while intrinsic stains are on a deeper level – usually a result of smoking or the excessive use of fluoride. Age-related dental stains occur due to a thinning of the enamel and the resultant exposure of the dentin, which has a natural yellow shade.

How Can I Prevent Stained Teeth?

There are a number of ways to effectively prevent dental stains, including the following:

Brush Your Teeth After Eating

By brushing your teeth within 30 minutes after finishing a meal, you can prevent the food and drink stains from staying on the surface of your teeth and penetrating into the deeper layer of your teeth. Brushing regularly prevents the buildup of plaque and its hardening into tartar, which contributes to teeth stains and yellowing.

Use Whitening Toothpaste

To maintain white teeth and help prevent dental stains, whitening toothpaste will help. Whitening toothpaste can help remove extrinsic (surface) dental stains, but don’t count on it to penetrate deeper stains.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

If the prospect of brushing your teeth manually three times a day puts you off, you may want to switch to an electric toothbrush for its ease of use. It’s a bit less messy and can be quicker.

Follow Brushing with Mouthwash

Mouthwash can kill bacteria and prevent dental stains. With so many formulations on the market, choose one that provides total care, and contains teeth-whitening ingredients.

Quit Smoking

Nicotine and tar are the top causes of dental stains, as they can seep into the deeper layers of your enamel and cause discoloration that’s either yellow or brown. If you smoke, the best thing that you can do for your teeth is to stop smoking.

Get Teeth Whitening Treatment

Ask your dentist about Zoom Whitening, which can lighten your teeth to a considerably lighter shade in less than an hour, right there at the dentist’s office.

Dental Clinic in Plantation, Florida

For a whiter and brighter smile, come to Dr. Ernie Soto’s spacious and relaxing dental clinic in Plantation. We will restore your confidence in your smile in no time.

To schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today at (954) 368-6264 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you here!