If you love wine, you’ve probably already noticed it has a sneaky way of lingering in your mouth long after you’ve enjoyed it. Ever observed how your teeth look a bit purple after your glass of cabernet? This is thanks to a set of bitter astringent compounds known as tannins. Tannins can be found in foods such as grapes, cacao, cranberry, and tea. But why do they leave behind such annoying mementos on your teeth? Keep reading to understand how tannins take their toll!
How Do Teeth Get Stained?
The outer layer of your teeth is comprised of something called tooth enamel. This is what gives them their white color. Unfortunately, however, enamel is porous, meaning that if you ingest something with a deeply saturated color, it could easily infiltrate the tiny crevices, taking on the color of whatever you just ate. In many cases, you can prevent stains by brushing and flossing shortly after, however failure to do so and consuming this type of food on a regular basis can eventually lead to permanent discoloration.
Why Are Tannins So Bad?
Tannins are a defense mechanism in plants designed to stop animals from eating the plant before it’s ripe. Once inside your mouth, they interact with carbohydrates, enzymes, proteins, sugars and bacterial cell membranes. This makes them stickier than usual, and thus more likely to linger on the surface of your teeth and cause cavities. They also react with something called “chromogens” that are found in pigment foods like cherries, curry, and soy sauce, intensifying their color. This can also contribute to discoloration.
How to Remove Stains
If your teeth are stained due to dietary choices that contain tannins, you don’t have to settle for a less than stellar smile. Professional teeth whitening can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in just a few treatments. Available only from your dentist, these professional-grade kits can be used in the comfort of your own home, and yield noticeable, permanent results. Best of all, your dentist can provide you with refills should you ever need a touch up, and unless you re-stain your teeth, your old stains will not come back. To learn more about professional whitening kits, speak to your dentist today and see if you’re a good candidate.
Remember, what you eat can unfortunately stick around long after your meal is complete, but with the help of a professional whitening kit from your dentist, you can easily remove stains and discoloration faster and more effectively than those over-the-counter kits can.
About Our Practice
At Sommers Dentistry, we believe that family comes first. That’s why we treat every patient like they’re one of us. Whether you need a cleaning and exam, dental implants, or you’d like to brighten your smile with the help of a professional whitening kit, we’re here to help.
To schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 419-668-3606.
