5 Things you Didn’t Know that Stain Your Teeth

It is common knowledge that sugary candy, coffee consumption, and the unhealthy habit of smoking all cause unpleasant staining on your teeth. These are not the only culprits behind staining, however, and some may be more shocking than others.

1. Pickles
The process of making pickles involves soaking the cucumber in very acidic vinegar. It is this process which makes the pickles sour, salty, and dangerous to your tooth enamel. According to ABC News, a study showed that pickles were the number one food most closely linked with tooth wear and that eating them more than once a day increases the chances of wearing down, and ultimately staining, your teeth by 85%.

2. Cough syrup
We know that sugar and acid will cause tooth decay and staining, but it may be a surprise that most cough syrups and cough drops have these exact ingredients. The sugars sucrose and fructose are commonly listed ingredients. Additionally, many include citric acids. According to Eastgate Dental Centre, if you take some cough syrup or suck on a cough drop right before falling asleep, it will remain on the teeth and cause even more damage.

3. Regular swimming
Those who swim very regularly in the pool are subject to the chlorine used to keep the water clean. The chlorine will, however, damage the enamel over time by stripping your teeth of its essential minerals. Even those who prefer the ocean need to be cautious as well. The salt water will dry out your mouth.

4. Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is known to cause pain and headaches, but it may be a surprise that it also can leave your beautiful teeth more likely to stain. Though teeth are designed to chew and grind food, grinding and clenching your jaws at night over time can result in cracks in the enamel. These cracks make your teeth much more susceptible to decay, staining, and can even wear down pointed teeth.

5. Medications
The most surprising culprit of staining your teeth is your medications. Many common medicines, including some antibiotics, are proven to cause staining. Tetracycline medicine, for example, is not given to children under eight years old or pregnant women due to the child’s developing teeth.

Our perfect smile’s most dangerous enemies can also be the most surprising ones. It’s not easy to resist temptation from indulging in a sweet candy or hot cup of coffee, but preventing staining is made easier by knowing all the causes.

 

*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.

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