Are you tired of looking in the mirror only to be met with stained teeth? Whether you’re a working professional, stay-at-home parent, or busy student, your appearance says a lot about you. You naturally want to make a good impression no matter where you are or who you are around, but you can’t help but wonder how your smile went from bright and beautiful to dull and dingy. Read on to discover how certain foods and beverages can lead to discolored teeth, what you can do to fix it, and how you can prevent this problem in the future.
What Causes Foods and Beverages to Stain Teeth?
Your teeth have a top layer known as the enamel. This protective barrier is strong and helps to prevent bad bacteria, food particles, and other unhealthy debris from penetrating and reaching the dentin and other innermost layers.
However, over time, as enamel weakens because of wear and tear, dark-colored foods and beverages can slowly penetrate, causing discoloration above and below the enamel’s surface. Known as tannins, these are organic compounds that are found in all types of consumable products, giving them their color and bitter taste (i.e., red wine, coffee, etc.).
Tannins are often attracted to sugars, starches, and other enzymes – those that can easily attach to tooth enamel. Unfortunately, this can increase the chances that you will develop a plaque and eventually cavities.
How Can You Address Tooth Discoloration?
If you walk down the aisles of your local drugstore, you will find all kinds of teeth whitening products. However, instead of wasting your money on over-the-counter gels, strips, and trays, a cosmetic dentist can provide professional teeth whitening that produces real results.
Whether you choose in-office treatment or take-home whitening kits, the high-grade bleaching gel penetrates the enamel to remove stains above and below the surface. This, in turn, creates a whiter, brighter smile in a short amount of time.
Generally, in-office whitening can enhance smiles by several shades in just one hour, whereas customized, take-home trays can produce results in two weeks.
Ways to Prevent Tooth Discoloration
To avoid dealing with tooth discoloration in the future, there are a few steps you can take, such as:
- Practicing good oral hygiene at home, which includes brushing twice daily, flossing at least once before bed, and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
- Keeping up with regular dental checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Avoiding dark-colored beverages and foods that can easily stain teeth.
- Avoiding tobacco products of all kinds.
- Wearing appropriate mouth protection to minimize enamel wear and tear.
Tooth stains don’t have to be your reality anymore. By taking the necessary steps and reducing the amount of darkly pigmented foods and drinks you consume, your pearly whites can shine brighter every day.
About the Author
Dr. JD Hansen graduated from the University of Louisville with his dental degree in 2012 before completing a one-year residency at the University of Utah. Equipped with advanced training in cosmetic and implant dentistry, he is pleased to lead the team at White Peak Dental, helping patients who desire a brighter, more beautiful smile. Offering in-office and take-home whitening solutions for those living in Cottonwood Heights, he can produce long-lasting results that are far better than anything found on drugstore shelves. If you are ready to say goodbye to your tooth stains, contact us at (801) 293-1234.