Closing an Unattractive Gap between Your Two Front Teeth

Brushing and flossing are simple steps recommended by your dentist to improve the look and health of your teeth. Unfortunately, you may still develop stains that alter the look of your smile while decreasing your overall self-esteem. While professional cleanings and whitening treatments can improve the color and brightness, prevention is your best weapon against tooth discoloration. Here are a few surprising causes of tooth discoloration.

Swimming

Whether you spend a few hours each day over the summer in the pool or you are a competitive swimmer, your teeth are at risk of severe tooth discoloration.

Pool water contains numerous chemicals and additives, which help keep the water safe from algae, bacteria, and other harmful irritants. However, these additives increase the water's pH levels, which can cause deposits to form on your teeth.

Known as swimmer's calculus, this condition causes hard, brown deposits of tartar to build up on the surface of the teeth. In most cases, the deposits form on the front teeth, since they are more likely to come in contact with the pool water. Swimmer's calculus can also cause enamel to erode, which will make your teeth more sensitive.

If possible, consider brushing your teeth and rinsing as soon as you finish swimming in a pool or spending time in a hot tub. Brushing alone will not remove the stains, so it is important to consult your dentist about undergoing a full cleaning and whitening treatment.

Tomatoes

Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, tomatoes are supposed to be one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Unfortunately, tomatoes can cause a great deal of dental problems that may surprise you.

The fruit contains acidic properties, which can build up on your teeth, eroding your tooth enamel. Without this protective coating, your teeth will be more susceptible to stains and cavities. In addition, tomatoes contain dark red pigments, which can naturally stain your teeth.

Consuming tomatoes in a salad or cooked tomatoes in a stew or soup should not be a problem. If you are eating large amounts of tomato sauce or ketchup, you may begin noticing tooth discoloration.

Brushing your teeth and rinsing after eating will help remove the acids and red pigments from your teeth.

Maintaining the underlying health and look of your mouth, teeth, and gums is important. With this guide and your dentist's help, you will be able to have a healthy, white, bright, and attractive smile.