6 Ways You Might Be Causing Your Teeth to Stain

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, but if your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, you may find yourself smiling less. Although there are many ways to whiten your teeth, some of the actions you’re doing on a daily basis might be causing your teeth to lose their luminosity.

We at Bright Side gathered some mistakes that aren’t letting you keep your smile healthy and white.

1. You drink carbonated water.

Ditching soda and sweet sparkling beverages is a decision your teeth will definitely thank you for, but if you made the switch to carbonated water it still might affect your smile. Carbonic acids that develop in the sparkling water won’t seriously damage your teeth, but if the water is flavored, chances are it contains additives that affect its acidity level and can increase enamel corrosion.

2. You’re pouring soy sauce over your food.

While soy sauce is delicious and makes sushi taste even better, it can make your teeth yellowish over time. Just like any richly colored food, soy sauce can stain your teeth and make your whitening toothpaste less effective.

3. You drink hot beverages often.

Nothing can wake you up in the morning faster than a hot cup of strong coffee, but if you enjoy it on a daily basis, it might make your smile dull and discolored. Coffee, tea, and other richly pigmented beverages can stain your teeth, and if you drink them hot, they can make your tooth enamel even more susceptible to staining.

And if you’re used to drinking your coffee on the go to keep yourself warm on a cold day, it can even lead to micro-cracks in your enamel and make your teeth more sensitive.

4. You’re using the wrong mouthwash.

While mouthwash keeps your breath fresh for longer, it might also make your smile less bright if you don’t watch out for harsh chemicals in it. For example, mouthwashes that are aimed to treat gum disease often contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which can cause stains on your teeth you probably won’t be able to eliminate without the help of your dentist.

5. You’re brushing too hard.

Although brushing and flossing your teeth is crucial for keeping your smile healthy, more isn’t always better when it comes to oral hygiene. If you’re brushing too hard day after day, you may slowly erode your enamel, which can make your teeth more sensitive and up your risk of cavities.

6. You’re not drinking enough water.

Staying hydrated is one of the best things that you can do for your overall health, and drinking enough water throughout the day can also help brighten your smile. Water rinses away staining substances left on your teeth and keeps them white for longer.

Have you ever noticed your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be? Do you know any hacks to keep your smile healthy?