As you get older, have you noticed your teeth aren’t as bright as they used to be? No matter how much you brush, the yellow tint may never fully go away. You might be left wondering what caused this, but your diet may be to blame. Dark-colored food and drinks are often the culprit, although you might wonder exactly how they stain. Tannins are often to blame, so here’s what you should know about them.
What Exactly Are Tannins?
To make a long story short, tannins are organic compounds found throughout nature. Certain items have higher amounts of them, such as grapes, cacao, cranberries, and coffee beans. It’s what makes them have a bitter flavor that coats your mouth, since they are sticky and cling to enamel.
Not only that, pigmented food and drinks are also full of chromogens. This substance gives the color that things like coffee and berries are known for, but it can also become trapped in your smile and cause stains over time.
How Do Tannins Stain Your Enamel?
When you feel your teeth, they might seem completely solid, but they do have tiny pores. Tannins find their way into these spots and hang out. They will then attract chromogens and encourage them to linger in your enamel as well. This often leads to the yellow discoloration you see on people’s smiles. That said, plaque can also hold onto dark pigments.
If My Smile Is Stained, How Can I Brighten It?
With all that said, the best way you can avoid stains is by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with water after you eat any dark-colored foods and drinks. If you do notice your smile isn’t as aesthetic as you’d like, there are ways you can brighten it. These are a few treatments to consider:
- Veneers can be a great choice if the discoloration is stubborn, as it hides multiple imperfections under gorgeous shells, giving a dramatic transformation.
- Cosmetic dental bonding may be ideal for just a single tooth or two fixes, as it uses composite resin to cover flaws.
- Professional teeth whitening is often the go-to for stains, as you can get it with an hour-long in-office visit or a two-week take-home kit. Both can give you results that are up to an eight-shade difference.
The good news is you don’t have to fully cut out food and drinks that lead to stains. Simply take steps to avoid them or consider the treatments above. That way, you feel confident showing off your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Prakash Gadhiya earned his dental degree from the NYU College of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Frisco community get the aesthetic grins they dream of with cosmetic dentistry. By having a consultation, Dr. Gadhiya can learn your goals and work to get you to them. If you are tired of dental discoloration, schedule an appointment or call his office at 214-308-5359.