Have you noticed that your teeth have become stained over time? Discoloration is a natural part of getting older, but there are certain things that can cause it to progress faster. This includes the different components of your diet. Read on to learn about how different types of goods and drinks can stain your teeth and what you can do to reverse discoloration, leaving you with a bright, white smile!
Why Do Some Foods Stain Teeth?
The thing that staining foods and drinks have in common is an ingredient known as “tannins. Tannins are a group of organic compounds that are responsible for giving foods and beverages a dark color and bitterness. The outermost layer of the tooth, called the enamel, protects the inner, more sensitive parts of the tooth from sensitivity and infection. However, the enamel is porous and eventually absorbs these substances, like sugar, bacteria, and tannins. Some pigmented foods, like wine and cherries, also have a substance called chromogen which reacts with tannins and causes and more intense color. Ultimately, you could end up with tooth discoloration.
Which Foods & Beverages Stain Teeth?
There are numerous foods and beverages that can cause discoloration over time. Here are some of the most common culprits.
- Coffee: A lot of us enjoy a morning cup of coffee, but it is known to stain tooth enamel over time. It alters the pH balance in your mouth and makes your teeth more vulnerable to staining.
- Tea: Many different black, green, and herbal teas contain tannins, therefore naturally staining your teeth over time.
- Berries: Even though they are healthy fruits, they are known to stain tooth enamel. Try enjoying them in a smoothie with a straw to limit contact with your teeth.
- Red Wine: After a long week of hard work, many like to wind down with a glass of wine. However, wine contains tannins just like tea and coffee as well as acids that affect your oral pH.
- Curry: The dish often contains a high turmeric content. This produces yellow stains over time.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The good news is that you don’t need to put up with stubborn stains or discoloration. Instead ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening. You can lift the shade of you smile up to eight shades in a single visit to the dental office. Take-home professional teeth whitening kits are also available! This involves using custom-made trays and a potent whitening solution that is stronger than anything you can find over the counter. The best part is that you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home on your own time. You will notice a dramatic difference in just a couple of weeks.
You don’t need to settle for tooth discoloration. By being careful of the food and drinks that you are enjoying and asking your dentist about whitening options, you can show off a brighter, whiter smile going forward.
About the Practice
At Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry, Dr. Josh Perry and Dr. Kristen De Bonis work together to serve patients in the Ponte Vedra Beach community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (904) 280-1200.