Sparkling smiles and stainless teeth

A sparkling smile exudes confidenceOnno Alo

Healthy teeth add an element of confidence to one's personality, just as does a sparkling smile. Those with stained or yellowish teeth hesitate to smile widely. But there are ways to care for your teeth and ensure a stainless smile.

Why do teeth turn yellow in the first place?

  • Drinking tea and coffee excessively turns teeth yellow. These beverages stain the teeth.

  • Food particles remain behind if teeth are brushed carelessly and hurriedly.

  • Certain medicines taken by an expectant mother can affect the infant in her womb and the child may later develop yellow teeth.

  • Soft drinks and artificial fruit juice also discolours teeth.

  • Smoking discolours teeth.

  • Yellow teeth are also caused by genetic reasons.

  • Certain drugs can stain teeth too.

Tips for sparkling teeth

  • Lemons and limes contain natural bleaching elements that can dispel stains from the teeth. Lemon rinds rubbed on the teeth have a cleaning effect, while meeting Vitamin C needs too.

  • Strawberries are an excellent fruit to keep teeth sparkling. This fruit contains malic acid which removes the yellow film on teeth.

  • Baking soda also cleans teeth. One can sprinkle a bit of baking soda on toothpaste while brushing teeth.

  • Salt can be used to clean the teeth. It whitens teeth and removes bacteria. Those with high blood pressure, however, should avoid using salt to clean their teeth.

  • Eating mushrooms regularly can whiten teeth. Mushrooms destroy bacteria within the mouth and prevents plaque build-up.

  • When the outer enamel covering of the teeth is damaged, teeth turn yellow. The calcium and probiotics in yoghurt protect tooth enamel. Yoghurt is also good for keeping teeth clean.

  • Calcium is important for teeth and the lack of calcium can discolour teeth. Calcium-enriched food is good in maintaining sparkling teeth.

* The writer is a dental surgeon