The discolouration of teeth can get in the way of a beautiful smile. Therefore, it is vital to protect your teeth against staining for ideal cosmetic appeal. In general, there are numerous things which can cause your teeth to lose their natural colour. For example, consumption of highly pigmented foods can darken the enamel of the teeth. Also, inadequate oral care can cause unusual yellowing of the teeth. Regardless of the cause, you can minimise and manage the discolouration by changing some dental health practices. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent and reduce the teeth staining issues.

Improve Your Dental Hygiene

You should clean your teeth routinely to prevent and reduce dental stains. Correct hygiene practices will prevent the formation of plaque which accelerates discolouration. Plaque can be defined as a sticky bio-film of bacteria which forms on the teeth due to poor cleaning. During the early days, the material remains as a soft, colourless deposit. However, over time, it becomes a thick layer which is usually pale yellow or brownish. If you want to ensure that your teeth remain clean, you should brush your teeth regularly to prevent the formation of this thick coating. Also, you should floss and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial wash for the best results. 

Avoid Eating Staining Foods

You should minimise the consumption of highly pigmented foods because they will cause staining. This effect is particularly prominent in older people since the protective enamel on the teeth erodes with time. Common stain-makers include tea, coffee, beets, soda, cranberry juice and soy sauce. Unfortunately, it is impossible to avoid all staining foods entirely. Therefore, you should take steps to minimise the effect of the foods on the teeth. Where possible, you should drink staining fluids through a straw to decrease dental contact. Also, when you eat a pigmented food, rinse your mouth afterwards to prevent the setting of stains. Additionally, you should avoid smoking. 

Look into Teeth Whitening

Finally, you should think about using some commercial bleaching or whitening solutions. Do not wait until your teeth lose their natural brightness entirely before taking corrective measures. You can purchase whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes from your local stores to keep your teeth white. If you already have significant discolouration, you can buy speciality whitening kits such as tooth strips or bleaching trays. These OTC solutions ensure excellent results for superficial dental stains. However, for a long-lasting effect, you should consider seeing a dental expert for professional cleaning and tooth whitening.