Even if you eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, the foods and drinks that you consume can cause dental damage. In particular, dark-colored and acidic foods and beverages can wreak havoc on your teeth, leaving you with a yellowed or brownish smile. Fortunately, cutting back on these foods can help. You may also benefit from cosmetic dentistry, which can reduce or conceal dental stains.
At Dental Care of Lombard, Dr. Julie Glud is passionate about preventive care and education. She wants to help you avoid dental problems through good oral hygiene. But if stains or other problems do arise, she offers advanced teeth whitening, as well as veneers. With her expertise and skill, you can enjoy a beautiful, pearly white smile.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Coffee
If you are one of the 49% of Americans who can’t wake up without a daily cup of joe, we’ve got some bad news for you. Coffee is one of the leading causes of dental stains. Not only is it darkly pigmented. It also is high in tannins, a compound that causes stain-producing molecules to adhere more firmly to teeth. The high acidity can contribute to enamel erosion, which can expose the off-white dentin beneath. Finally, if you add sugar or flavored creamers to your coffee, you’re at a higher risk for dental decay and gum disease.
Tea
If you think tea is a better alternative to coffee, think again. Tea might be lower in caffeine, but it’s also higher in tannins, meaning some varieties may be more likely to stain your teeth. Black tea is the worst offender, but green tea can also cause discoloration. Even some herbal teas can have a detrimental effect on your smile.
Wine
Sad to say, your evening indulgence may be as harmful to your white teeth as your morning beverage. Like coffee, red wine is dark colored, full of tannins, and quite acidic. White wine, though less likely to cause immediate staining, is also high in tannins and acids. This will make your teeth more prone to staining over time.
Soda
There’s really just no good way to spin soda when it comes to its effects on teeth. Soda is highly acidic, so it is likely to erode tooth enamel. Many varieties are also dark-colored. And they’re full of sugar, which will contribute to tooth decay and periodontitis.
Sipping on clear or diet sodas will slightly minimize the risk, but only slightly. You could also choose less acidic sodas. For instance, root beer is less acidic than cola. But the difference really is pretty negligible.
Berries
Blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all very darkly pigmented, which can cause dental staining. Cherries and pomegranates will have a similar effect. If your enamel is damaged, and your teeth are subsequently more porous, the discoloration will be worse.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits and juices are also very high in acid, which, again, can erode dental enamel.
Tomato and Curry Sauces
There’s a rule that states, “If a food can stain your tablecloth, it can stain your teeth.” So heavily pigmented sauces can spell disaster not only for your favorite linens, but for your smile, as well. Tomato sauce is very acidic, as well as dark colored. Soy sauce and balsamic vinegar can have similar effects.
Candies and Other Sweets
Sugar won’t directly stain your teeth, but it will provide an ideal energy source for oral bacteria. As bacteria build up, they will start to erode your dental enamel, exposing the yellowish dentin below. Of course, it’s no secret that bacteria will also penetrate your dental tissues, creating cavities.
Tips for Minimizing Dental Stains
So, in order to enjoy a healthy smile, do you have to eliminate all of these foods and drinks? Not at all! After all, some of them are quite healthy and even necessary for your diet. But it does help to know which foods are staining culprits so you can cut back and enjoy them in moderation.
Further, there are some simple tips that can minimize the likelihood of dental discoloration:
- When you eat a stain-producing food or drink, be sure to drink a glass of water alongside. This will help to wash away acid and stain-producing molecules.
- Brush your teeth 30 minutes after you eat. Don’t do it before this, or you will simply rub the food into your enamel. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water before brushing.
- If you aren’t able to brush, chew some sugarless gum.
- Brush your teeth before drinking coffee, as well. This will stimulate saliva production.
- Use a straw when you drink soda, iced tea, or iced coffee. This will help some of the liquid to bypass your teeth.
How to Remove Stains from Teeth
If you already have dental stains from foods and drinks, you don’t have to live with them forever! There are many options to whiten teeth, ranging from DIY drugstore methods to transformative cosmetic procedures.
- Whitening toothpastes often work as advertised, though they will typically lighten your teeth only by a shade or two.
- Whitening strips have a similar effect. They may give your smile a boost, but not a dramatic change. If you choose whitening toothpastes or strips, be sure to purchase a product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
- In-office teeth whitening gel contains carbamide peroxide, which converts to hydrogen peroxide after application. Thus, professional whitening can dramatically reduce dental stains in less than an hour.
- KöR teeth whitening is an innovative treatment that uses continually refrigerated whitening gel to maintain maximum potency. Applied with KöR-SealTM trays, this whitening method can even address severe internal staining. Moreover, it is less likely to cause sensitivity than other whitening products.
- Porcelain veneers can be a great option if you have very severe stains, or if you would like to address other cosmetic issues simultaneously. Dr. Glud will attach thin shells to the front of your teeth to reshape them and conceal blemishes.
Learn More about Dental Stains and How to Treat Them
To learn more about how you can enjoy a bright, sparkling smile, contact Dental Care of Lombard today.
Reach us online or call us at (630) 629-5700.
