Dental News

Do You Know What Substances Are Most Likely to Stain Your Teeth?

September 27, 2017

Do You Know What Substances Are Most Likely to Stain Your Teeth?

No one wants stained, yellowed teeth yet many Americans have them. Even if you keep your teeth in great shape, visit your dentist regularly, and ensure your gums are healthy, it’s possible that your teeth won’t look as white as you’d like.

At California Dental Group, we are happy to discuss teeth whitening options that can help. Just give us a call at (800) 407-0161. You can also keep reading to learn about some of the substances that may be causing your teeth more damage than you know.

Coffee

When you look at the enamel that makes up the surface of your teeth, it likely looks smooth. The reality is that it has many ridges and cracks. Any type of dark colored drink can get into those ridges and cracks and leave their pigment behind. This can result in yellowed teeth and unsightly stains. Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in California. If you find you can’t (or don’t want to) give it up entirely, try to either add a milk product to it to dilute the pigment, or drink a cup of water right after you drink your water.

Tea

The battle between tea and coffee doesn’t have a winner when it comes to how much they’ll stain your teeth. In fact, black tea can be worse, depending on the type. Why? Because tea has included an ingredient called tannic acid for centuries. Even if you use white or herbal teas, if you drink them often enough they can stain your teeth. Once again, the best idea is to either add milk to your tea or to drink water after you’ve had your cuppa.

Wine

It’s not just morning beverages that can stain your teeth – wine can have the same effect. In fact, red wine is one of the biggest strainers of all. It has both tannins and chromogens, and it’s acid. Together, these three factors can lead to seriously stained teeth. White wine won’t save you either – it has even more acid, which can further wear down your enamel. The more eroded your enamel is, the more likely it is that it can be stained.

Various sauces

Any red sauce you eat, whether tomato based, a curry sauce, or a soy sauce, is high in acidity and has an intense color. Both of these factors can lead to staining. Other acidic foods that sit in liquid, such as pickles, beets, vinegar, etc. can open up the pores in your enamel. This can make your teeth more likely to be stained.

If you’re worried about the way your teeth look, then the best thing to do is to reach out to California Dental Group for a dental exam and cleaning. We can discuss any specific concerns you have and help you find the best way to move forward. We can also provide you with specialized tips to help you avoid the specific issues that are affecting your teeth. Call us today at (800) 407-0161 to set up your appointment.

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