7 daily habits that damage teeth

05-05-2021 HowHow Team

Ninety-four percent of people say a smile is the very first thing they notice when they meet someone.

And while everyone dreams of having a Hollywood-worthy smile, a lot of us do not do what it takes to get it. Beyond the consumption of coffee and certain fruit juices, there are other more unexpected habits that contribute to staining your teeth without you even realizing it.

1. You use berries when you cook

While fresh berries are beneficial to health in many ways, they are also known to cause stains on teeth. Many people know that consuming dark berries can affect the shine of their teeth, but eating them in cakes or jams can also make teeth look dull. When it comes to strawberries, however, their whitening effects are impressive: these delicious berries can make your smile brighter without damaging the enamel.

2. You do not drink iced tea

Soda and sugary sodas can destroy your tooth enamel, but iced tea can help you take care of it. Most iced teas contain malic acid, an organic compound that is also found in strawberries and has strong whitening properties. It also increases the production of saliva which, in turn, helps fight cavities and prevent discoloration.

3. You swim a lot

If you are an avid swimmer and spend more than 6 hours per week in a pool, there is a good chance that you will notice a brownish formation on your teeth, called 'swimmers tartar'. When you swim, you unintentionally put water in your mouth, and all the chemicals in pool water can cause stains on your teeth. While chlorine helps kill bacteria in the water, it can make your teeth yellow or brown and weaken the enamel, making your teeth too sensitive.

4. You use a mouthwash

Mouthwashes are supposed to give you fresh breath, but it is important to check the labels before buying your next bottle. Some ingredients in mouthwash can interact with the coloring compounds in foods and, instead of brightening your teeth, they can dull them. If you can not imagine your oral routine without mouthwash, go for the types that do not contain chlorhexidine or eucalyptol, and rinse your mouth only before bed.

5. You use a hard toothbrush

Using a hard toothbrush will not make your teeth extra white - moreover, brushing too aggressively can wear down the enamel on your teeth, making them more prone to cavities and more prone to stains. Dentists recommend using a soft or extra-soft toothbrush and replacing it as soon as the bristles start to buckle.

6. You cook with certain spices

Seasoning your food will add flavor and various aromas to your dishes, but you may need to limit some spices if you want to keep teeth white. Some highly pigmented spices, like curry, can stain your teeth and make them yellowish. If you do not like the idea of a plain dish, spice up your foods with herbs that may be beneficial for your dental health, such as thyme, turmeric or cinnamon.

7. You are stressed

When we are under a lot of pressure, we may instinctively clench our teeth to relieve stress. If we do it regularly, we can damage our teeth without even knowing it. In addition to causing headaches and jaw pain, grinding your teeth like this can weaken tooth enamel and make it yellow and brittle.