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Should I Have White Teeth?
Not really. Your teeth are an off-white, pearly colour, and over time — even if you’re the most accomplished of oral health aficionados — the enamel coating on the surface of teeth wears down to reveal the yellowish dentin beneath. Yeah, but, aren’t baby teeth bright white? Sure, but watch a child’s adult teeth come in, and you’ll see they’re more off-white. The appearances of teeth are also affected by basic wear and tear over the years, and stains from food and drink.
Which Food & Drink Cause Stains?
Acidity is the culprit behind a large number of drinks — soda and coffee are repeat offenders — discolouring teeth. The tannins in tea (even white tea) and wine (yes, red wine; but here’s a shocker: white wine is more acidic!) also play a role. And did you know sports drinks can potentially damage tooth enamel? When you’re eating, watch out for curries and pasta sauces (with their bright colours), and don’t forget about berries (those deep hues).
Teeth Whitening Tips
Professional teeth whitening in a dentist’s office can be expensive. It uses a chemical reaction to reduce stains on the tooth surface (and deeper). You can also find over-the-counter teeth whitening products and treatments, though their results tend not to last as long as those achieved by a professional. Brushing your teeth with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can address stains on the tooth surface, but won’t penetrate as deeply as the peroxide used in chemical treatments.
Teeth Whitening with Mouthwash?
Gentle teeth whitening and stain removal is something LISTERINE® HEALTHY WHITE® can help you with. LISTERINE® HEALTHY WHITE® helps keep your teeth strong by helping re-mineralize your tooth enamel, and preventing cavities with fluoride. LISTERINE® is the only OTC mouthwash brand that carries the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) seal on all of its mouthwash products.