Your pearly whites are affected by every substance that you put in your mouth. Over the course of the years, your teeth may become stained by the things you eat and drink. Following are some tips on what can stain your teeth and how to whiten your teeth naturally.

What Foods and Beverages Can Stain Your Teeth?

Any dark-colored substance, especially if it is a liquid, may cause staining if consumed on a regular basis. Potentially staining substances include both colored and white wines, coke, and dark-colored fruit juices. Smoking also poses an additional risk for eventual teeth staining. Experts recommend that you eat a limited amount of dark whole foods, such as spinach and beets to avoid tooth staining. Of course, you do not need to cut these items out altogether. Moderation is key to having the healthy body and clean teeth you need.

Not All Teeth Are White

While your teeth may be extremely discolored from years of bad habits, it is possible to go overboard when it comes to whitening your teeth. Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are available for purchase, but these can be overused, leading to enamel damage and weakened teeth. Some people are so determined to have white teeth that they unwittingly ruin their teeth.

Most people have some color to their teeth, a variation as natural as the many eye and hair colors in the world. Yellow, grey, and blue tints are natural colors for human teeth and should not be viewed as unusual. The color appearance of a person's teeth will depend on the density of the teeth and the color of the enamel. Check with your dentist, like Cochran George S DDS, if you think your teeth have an unnatural tint.

Try These Tips

If you want to try some natural teeth-whitening tips before you head to the drug store or the dentist's office, take a look at the ideas below.

Brush After Every Meal

Brushing your teeth after you've eaten will remove any substances that are likely to cause staining. If you have consumed an acidic food or beverage--such as coke, tomato sauce or lemonade--rinse your mouth well with water and wait at least a half hour before brushing to avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth.

Consume Fresh Fruits and Veggies

Crunchy foods, such as apples, carrots, and celery all provide a gentle friction on your teeth as you chew them, thereby providing a free tooth-cleaning experience while you eat.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Combine enough baking soda with the peroxide to create a runny paste. Brush your teeth with this mixture one to two times a day.

Don't Forget Your Dentist!

If you have any concerns regarding your teeth, contact your dentist for an expert's opinion. If you should choose to use over-the-counter teeth whitening methods, do so under the supervision of your dentist to avoid permanent damage to your teeth.