If you frequently find yourself wishing you had brighter, whiter teeth, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans would like to know what causes dental staining and how they can prevent it. Fortunately, this isn’t an unsolved mystery! The secret behind your yellowish smile is an organic compound known as “tannins.” Here’s how they work and what you can do to enhance the shade of your grin.
What Are Tannins, and How Do They Stain Teeth?
Tannins belong to a group of chemicals called polyphenols. Don’t worry, this isn’t Chemistry 101 – all you need to know is that 1) they are often found in plants, and 2) they’re largely responsible for creating strong pigments. If a food or beverage has a significant amount of tannins, it’s more likely to stain your countertops, carpet, clothes, and your teeth.
Now, like your countertops and carpets, the outermost layer of your teeth (enamel) is porous. The small holes in its molecular structure makes it easier for substances like tannins to become trapped underneath the surface. This is how stubborn stains form. So the best way to prevent your teeth from turning yellow is to prevent tannins from “settling in” to your enamel!
Preventing Tannin Stains from Settling In
There are a couple of different ways you can prevent dental staining and help your smile stay brighter for longer. Try these tips on for size:
- Be careful of how often you drink and eat strongly colored treats like tea, coffee, tomato-based sauces, and berries.
- When you do consume strongly colored treats, take periodic sips of water to help wash away tannins before they become stuck.
- Dilute coffee and tea with cream or milk to weaken the tannins they contain.
- Brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis.
Effective Teeth Whitening Options
When daily care and maintenance isn’t enough to protect the brightness of your smile, talk to your dentist about your cosmetic options. Professional, in-office teeth whitening is much more effective (and quicker!) than the “whitening” toothpastes and gels you’ll find at the store. If your dental stains are particularly deep, you can also conceal them behind a seamless set of dental veneers.
With some help from your dentist, you can be proud of the beautiful pearly whites you see in the mirror!
About the Practice
At Taylor Street Dental, we’re proud to have not just one, but four experienced and friendly dentists on our team. Thanks to each of their unique skillsets, we can provide our patients with comprehensive dental services, and offer many different cosmetic solutions, such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers. If you’re tired of having stained teeth, contact our office at 413-781-7645 and let us take care of you and your smile!