What do coffee, wine, berries, tea, and curry all have in common? They’re all notorious for staining your teeth. If you can’t start your morning without a refreshing cup of joe, or you like to unwind in the evening with a glass of wine, chances are you’re already familiar with this. But why do these particular foods and drinks discolor your pearly whites more so than others? These items all share a common substance called tannins. Take a moment to learn the science of how tannins stain your teeth and how professional teeth whitening in Pepper Pike can help.
Understanding Tooth Enamel
To understand what tannins are and how they discolor teeth, you must understand enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of teeth, and it’s the hardest material in the human body. It essentially serves as the tooth’s first line of defense, but it can only take so much before it starts showing signs of the challenges it has faced.
Enamel is naturally porous, so tiny particles of bacteria, sugar, tannins, etc. can seep into it. Over time, too much tannin exposure can discolor the teeth.
What Are Tannins?
Tannins are a group of organic compounds that are responsible for giving certain foods their color. In fact, they were originally used to tan animal hides and make leather.
When you consume tannin-rich foods, tannins interact with various proteins, bacteria, and sugar particles in your mouth. This is good because tannins stick to bacteria before plaque can form on your teeth. But on the other hand, they permeate your enamel and contribute to staining.
Preventing Discoloration
While it’s unrealistic to avoid tannins altogether, you can minimize their staining effects. One trick is to sip drinks like coffee or wine through a straw, preventing the liquid from making direct contact with your teeth. it’s also a good idea to brush your teeth after eating or drinking tannins. If that’s not possible, at least rinse your mouth with water to prevent the tannins from sticking to your teeth.
Of course, your dentist also has ways of eliminating tooth discoloration.
How Your Dentist Can Treat Teeth Stains
Many over-the-counter teeth whitening options can take weeks to deliver results, but with ZOOM! teeth whitening, your dentist can brighten your smile in as little as an hour. By combining a potent bleaching gel with an ultraviolet light, deep-set stains can be blasted away, revealing a beautiful set of pearly whites underneath.
Tannins can easily discolor your smile, especially if you consume a lot of them. But your dentist can help you achieve a bright, beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Vladimir Pastouk earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Nova Southeastern University College of Dentistry. He has since become a Sustained Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Because of his passion for improving patients’ smiles and confidence, he offers ZOOM! teeth whitening at his practice, Dental & Cosmetic Solutions in Cleveland, OH. To get started on removing your tooth stains, contact Dr. Pastouk’s office at (216) 292-3600.