Does it seem that no matter how much you brush your teeth or try over-the-counter whitening products, your smile always becomes discolored? While a consistent oral health routine is important in keeping your teeth healthy and bright, teeth staining can occur because of the types of food and drink you consume. Goodies like wine, coffee, curry, and blueberries contain a compound called tannin, which causes your pearly whites to become not so pearly. Read on to learn the connection between tannins and tooth discoloration…and how to protect your smile from them!
What Are Tannins & How Do They Discolor Teeth?
Your tooth enamel is the outer covering of your teeth that causes them to be white and shiny. While it is the strongest substance in the body, it is porous. While these little holes absorb healthy substances like calcium and fluoride, they also take in harmful ones like sugar and tannins.
So, what exactly are tannins? They are organic compounds that give certain foods and drink their dark color and bitter taste. Since they interact with various particles in the mouth, like carbohydrates and enzymes, they are more likely to have sugar and bacteria stick to them. As a result, if your smile is coated in tannins, it’s likely to also have these harmful substances on it, too!
These particles begin to produce acids as they decay, burning through the enamel and causing cavities and discoloration. In short, the more you consume tannins, the more these compounds harm and discolor your teeth.
What are the Most Common Items that Contain Tannins?
Tannins are in a range of foods and drinks…as well as herbs and spices! Here are a few of the most common ones they can be found in:
- Acidic, dark-colored beverages such as coffee, tea, and wine.
- Fruits and berries, including blueberries, pomegranates, cranberries, and cherries.
- Dark-colored legumes such as chickpeas, beans, and black-eyed peas.
- Herbs and spices like cinnamon, thyme, cloves, and vanilla.
How Can You Protect Your Smile from Tannins?
Since there are many delicious items that contain tannins, it can be hard to avoid them. The key is just limiting the amount of this staining compound that you consume. In addition to cutting down your intake, the following are some additional tips to keep your smile from becoming discolored:
- Clean your teeth after eating: As soon as you enjoy eating or drinking items that contain tannins, be sure to brush your teeth about 30 minutes later. This will wash away any harmful acids.
- Rinse your mouth out: If you are unable to brush your teeth, you can always rinse your mouth out with water to remove any leftover food particles.
- Drink water: Staying hydrated while enjoying staining foods or beverages will help keep tannins and other harmful substances from settling onto your pearly whites.
- Visit your dentist: Getting your teeth professionally whitened is an excellent way to get rid of stubborn teeth stains caused by tannins. You can have a smile that is eight shades whiter in just one visit!
About the Practice
Cove Choice Dental keeps the smiles of Copperas Cove healthy and beautiful through the expertise of its team of dentists. With the goal of providing state-of-the-art care, they combine high-quality dentistry with excellent customer service. They provide a full range of services, including cosmetic treatments like professional teeth whitening. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (254) 987-6777.