My Personalised Ritual: Stained Teeth

Teeth become stained due to a variety of factors ranging from lifestyle choices to the natural ageing process. Common culprits include dark-coloured foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, dark soft drinks, beetroot, tea, and curry. These substances are highly pigmented and can stain teeth. 

Acidic foods and drinks can also contribute by eroding the enamel, making it easier for stains to set in. 

Tobacco use, whether smoking, chewing, or vaping, can also discolour teeth.

Other factors include certain medications (such as antibiotics, antihistamines, and anti-hypertension drugs) and the natural ageing process, which reveals the more yellowish dentin as enamel wears away. 

Poor oral hygiene leading to plaque build-up can also cause teeth to appear yellow or brown.

Stained teeth are generally not bad or unhealthy in themselves.

They primarily affect appearance and may reduce confidence when smiling, but they do not directly harm health. However, the behaviours that cause staining, such as smoking or poor oral hygiene, can negatively impact overall oral health.

Stained teeth can often be fixed. Professional cleanings by a hygienist can remove deep stains, and adopting good oral hygiene practices can help prevent further staining. 

Lifestyle changes, such as reducing consumption of staining foods and drinks and brushing teeth afterward, can also help. Using products from the GUM Original White line, which includes toothpaste, a toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash, can be effective for removing and preventing stains.

Teeth may stain around the gums if these areas are not cleaned thoroughly, leading to food and plaque build-up.

It's crucial to clean both above and below the gum line and use interdental brushes, picks or floss to remove debris and plaque between the teeth. Proper brushing and cleaning techniques can prevent staining in these areas.

Your gums act as a protective barrier against infections, meaning anything that impacts their health can affect your entire body.

Research has connected gum disease to more than 50 systemic diseases, including serious conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Shockingly, statistics reveal that at least 50% of the global population affected by periodontitis.  

Following a complete daily oral care ritual of diligently cleaning along the gum line and between your teeth can eliminate and prevent plaque buildup.

Many things can impact your oral health, from habits to age to medical conditions and medications. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the early indicators that something may be wrong.  
 
These early indicators include:

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing: Occasional bleeding might result from irregular interdental cleaning habits or too vigorous brushing, but consistent bleeding during or after brushing might indicate gum inflammation, which can become serious if left untreated.
• Gum swelling: Accumulated plaque along the gum line (that becomes tartar if not removed) can lead to gum inflammation, which manifests as swelling, redness and bleeding.
• Persistent bad breath: Chronic bad breath (halitosis) usually originates from the tongue, but could also signal early stages of more serious conditions, like gum disease.
• Sensitivity to temperature: Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods may indicate enamel erosion, cavities, or receding gums.
• Tooth or mouth discomfort: Pain in the teeth or soft tissues of the mouth may stem from cavities, tooth damage, or irritation from plaque and tartar buildup.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your dentist or dental hygienist at your next visit.

If your gums are bleeding, it's important not to panic. We recommend that you visit your dental professional to identify the underlying cause. Bleeding gums can often be an early sign of gingivitis, which, if left untreated, can progress to the more serious periodontitis.

In the meantime, continue practising your daily oral care ritual, which includes the crucial step of interdental cleaning. Interdental cleaning, using an interdental brush, floss, or a rubber pick (based on your preference), is important because it helps remove plaque from between your teeth. Plaque buildup is a common cause of gum inflammation. When you practise the daily ritual of cleaning these areas, you can reduce the impact of harmful bacteria that cause gum irritation and prevent the progression of gum disease.

Sensitive teeth often result from exposed dentin due to enamel wear or receding gums. We recommend seeing your dentist regularly for professional treatments and advice on managing sensitivity.

At home, it is important to practise interdental cleaning daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. This helps prevent gum diseases, gum recession, and caries, which can also cause sensitivity.

Follow this with brushing, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and desensitising toothpaste to protect enamel and reduce pain. Be gentle with each stage of your daily care ritual to avoid damaging your gums and enamel.

It is also wise to limit acidic and sugary foods and drinks to prevent further enamel wear.