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 end up smiling less. While there are many ways to whiten your teeth, some of the actions you take on a daily basis could be causing your teeth to lose their shine.
We have compiled some mistakes that do not allow you to keep your smile white and healthy.
You Drink Carbonated Water
Giving up sodas and sweet drinks is a decision your teeth will definitely thank you for, but if you switch to carbonated water, it can still affect your smile.
The carbonic acids that develop in sparkling water do not seriously damage teeth, but if the water is flavored, it likely contains additives that affect its acidity level and can increase enamel corrosion.
You’re Pouring Soy Sauce Over Your Food
While soy sauce is delicious and makes sushi taste even better, it can turn your teeth yellow over time. As with any colorful food, soy sauce can stain your teeth and make whitening toothpaste less effective.
You Drink Hot Beverages Often
Nothing can wake you up faster in the morning than a strong cup of coffee, but if you enjoy it every day, it can make your smile dull and discolored. Coffee, tea, and other pigment-rich 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 warm on a cold day, it can even lead to microcracks in your enamel and make your teeth more sensitive.
You’re Using The Wrong Mouthwash
While mouthwash will keep your breath fresh longer, it can also make your smile less bright if you’re not careful about the chemicals it contains.
For example, mouthwashes intended to treat gum disease often contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which can cause stains on your teeth that you probably won’t be able to get rid of without the help of your dentist.
You’re Brushing Too Hard
While brushing and flossing are crucial to maintaining a healthy smile, it’s not always best when it comes to oral hygiene. If you brush too hard day after day, you can slowly erode your enamel, which can make your teeth more sensitive and increase your risk of cavities.
You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also help brighten your smile. Water removes substances that stain teeth and keeps them whiter longer.
Have you ever noticed that your teeth are not as white as before? Do you know any tricks to keep your smile healthy?
Preview photo credit Eric Audras / ONOKY / Getty Images, Unsplash.com
