Do you want to keep your smile dazzlingly white? This is the goal of many people, but it can be hard to attain. Some foods and drinks contain tannins, which can make your teeth look less bright and give your beam a dull look. If you are wondering why tannins affect your smile and where they’re found as well as how to tackle stains or discoloration and get your smile looking its best again, keep reading.
What Are Tannins?
Tannins are bitter and astringent compounds that are widespread in nature. They’re found in various plants, like oak, rhubarb, tea, walnut, cranberry, cacao, and grapes, in parts like wood, bark, leaves, and fruit. These compounds serve to make plants taste unpleasant to animals, helping to deter them from eating the plants before they’re ready. When bitten into, tannins create a mouth-coating sensation.
How Do Tannins Interact with Tooth Enamel?
Tannins, besides making unripened plants taste unpleasant, also enhance their color. Grapes, for instance, get a deeper hue due to this process. When it comes to your teeth, the outer layer (enamel) is porous, so it absorbs tannins easily, especially from red wine. This absorption can lead to stains on your teeth, affecting their appearance.
How to Prevent Stains and Discoloration
Below are some useful suggestions to maintain a flawless smile:
- Reduce intake of red wine and other dark-colored foods and drinks.
- After indulging, brush and floss your teeth.
- If unable to brush, drink water right after consuming items that can stain teeth to wash away leftover tannins.
A Way to Upgrade Your Smile
If you’ve noticed stains or discoloration on your teeth, professional teeth whitening can help rejuvenate your smile. Whether done at the dentist’s office or with a take-home kit, you can achieve impressive results.
In-office whitening typically takes about an hour and involves applying a powerful gel to your teeth, followed by a special light that activates the whitening process. With methods like Zoom! Whitening, your dentist can brighten your smile by up to eight shades.
To elevate your smile with professional teeth whitening, reach out to a nearby dentist and schedule a consultation. With their expertise and advanced techniques, you’ll soon enjoy a brighter, more confident smile that leaves you feeling fantastic!
About the Practice
If you’re looking to brighten your smile, Dr. Rebecca Long and her team at Westlake Hills Dental Arts are here for you. With their Zoom teeth whitening treatments, you can get noticeable results in just one two-hour visit to their office. They even provide custom-made bleaching trays and whitening solution for touch-ups at home, ensuring your smile stays radiant for longer. If you are ready to learn more about teeth whitening or want to book an appointment with the Westlake Hills Dental Arts team, you can visit their website or give their office a call at (512) 489-9157.