It might not technically be spooky season yet, but stores are already getting ready for Halloween by unleashing hordes of thematic chocolate. Enjoying these time-sensitive sweets while you can is a tasty way to boost mid-year morale. However, go too crazy with the chocolate and you could end up staining your teeth with tannins!
What are tannins, and how do they discolor otherwise pearly whites? Keep reading to find out.
Tannins: Nature’s Paintbrush
Have you noticed that certain foods and beverages, like chocolate or coffee, seem to have stronger pigments that stain substances more easily? This is largely because they contain tannins, an often bitter-tasting compound that produces rich colors. Cacao beans, grapes, pumpkins, berries, cider, and so much more can coat your teeth in tannins when consumed, priming them for a fresh coat of dental yellowing.
Teeth: Nature’s Canvas
Your teeth are made up of several layers, the outermost which – enamel – is porous. This just means that your dental surfaces have soft grooves and openings, which is ideal for absorbing essential nutrients like bone-fortifying calcium.
It’s less ideal, however, for maintaining a pearly white appearance, as tannins can easily settle into your enamel. Tannins have a “sticky” quality, so when the other chemicals, nutrients, and bacteria in your chosen snack interact with them, they also become trapped in your dental pores. If your enamel has been worn thin, the resulting stains can become deeply ingrained and even tougher to remove.
What Can I Do About Dental Discoloration?
Brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal can actually help a lot. You see, part of how tannins can entrench unfavorable pigments so deeply is simply through time. The longer you wait to brush them from the surface of your teeth, the more time they have to soak through dental pores. You might notice this with your countertops and floors too; the sooner you leech out strong colors, the better.
Some patients, though, might need a more powerful solution. Professional teeth whitening treatments use special, teeth-friendly bleaching agents capable of more thoroughly eliminating surface stains. For chronic discoloration, porcelain veneers or dental bonding might be a better fit, as these treatments can conceal blemishes with an aesthetic façade or moldable resin.
Should I Be Concerned About Yellow Teeth?
It’s nice to have pearly white teeth, and it’s true a cosmetically appealing smile can help you make a good first impression. In terms of your oral health, though, it’s not the color you should be worried about. Since tannins are “sticky”, they can also trap sugars and bacteria that cause complications like tooth decay and gum disease.
However, your dentist can help you stay ahead of dental disasters with biannual checkups and cleanings. After a professional investigation and polish, your teeth will be ready for whatever smile-goal you have in mind next!
About the Practice
Our team at San Marcos Gentle Dental prioritizes patient care. Your dental goals are our goals! Whether you’re looking to lift stubborn stains from your pearly whites or improve your oral health, we’ll help you craft a treatment plan that suits you and your needs. To contact our office, call 512-396-5225.