Are your teeth beginning to yellow or darken? While this can typically be due to simply age and years of use, other contributing factors can raise the chance of dental discoloration. Some examples can include foods and beverages like blueberries and coffee if they’re consumed too frequently. Keep reading to learn why these meals and drinks are capable of staining your teeth and how professional whitening treatment can help.
How Do Some Foods Darken Your Smile?
Did you know that dark-pigmented meals and beverages have an ingredient known as “tannins” that are what cause discoloration? These are a collection of organic compounds that give certain foods a dark color. Your tooth has the outermost protective layer known as the enamel, which defends the inner sensitive part from bacteria and infection. That said, the enamel is porous, meaning it can end up allowing things like sugar and tannins to be absorbed onto the surface of the tooth. Certain pigmented items like cherries and wine also have a substance known as chromogen which, when combined with tannins, can create a more intense discoloration.
Which Meals & Beverages Stain Teeth?
Since many types of foods and drinks can stain your pearly whites over time, it’s a good idea to know some of the common ones that you might encounter. These can include:
- Coffee: While this is a favorite for many, this beverage can impact the pH balance of your mouth and end up causing your smile to be more susceptible to discoloration.
- Red wine: Though drinking this in moderation isn’t bad, this product contains tannins similar to coffee, and it’s also acidic, which can increase the risk of staining.
- Tea: This beverage can offer a positive impact on your overall health, but the tannins can darken your teeth in the process if consumed too often.
- Berries: Even if foods like cherries and blueberries can be nutritional, they can stain your smile over time. Try enjoying these by making a smoothie and drinking through a straw to minimize tooth contact.
How Can Teeth Whitening Help?
To help improve your smile from the effects of dark-pigmented foods, you might consider undergoing professional teeth whitening. This cosmetic dental service involves wearing a custom-made whitening tray every day for a certain amount of time, and the solution used will be much safer and stronger than what you can find at the store. After a couple of weeks, you’ll be free to show off pearly whites that are much brighter than before!
Just because you have tooth discoloration doesn’t mean you have to settle for a grin you aren’t happy with. Keep an eye on the kinds of foods and drinks you consume and speak with your dentist about teeth whitening so you can enhance the appearance of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Smith graduated from Emory University in Atlanta with his Doctor of Dental Surgery, and he has well over three decades of experience under his belt. He offers a wide range of effective services, including professional teeth whitening to help patients achieve their dream smiles. If you’d like to know more about this cosmetic treatment or wish to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call our office today at 954-564-7121.