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What Exactly Is Tooth Staining?
Tooth Staining, often called discolouration, is caused by a combination of factors not limited to non-compliance with oral hygiene rules.
Staining is defined as a change in dental tissue colour, shade, or transparency.
Its causes are classified into two types. Namely:
- External factors are caused by an outside agent (food or drink). Foods typically stain the tooth enamel in yellow and brown shades.
- Internal factors– Hormonal imbalances or a hereditary predisposition causes them, and the darkening can be solid or in the form of spots (dentin darkens).
The thinning of the enamel’s surface is the frequent cause of colour change in the enamel. The surface may become thinner because of age-related changes or the regular consumption of acidic drinks, creating a porous structure that can easily be stained. The pores become more accessible over time, and the pigments found in food begin to penetrate them. As a result, the enamel eventually becomes yellow or dark brown.
If you experience tooth staining and are looking for professional assistance, consider visiting Brooklyn Orthodontics for effective solutions and personalized care.
What Drinks Cause Teeth Staining?
“If the liquid can leave stains on clothes, it can also leave stains on the teeth.”
Most drinks contain substances that tend to wear down the enamel of the teeth. Some also contain natural or synthetic colours, which alter the colour of the enamel. To avoid having a yellowed smile, you should be aware of the harmful drinks to the tooth enamel.
These are some of the most popular causes of stained teeth.
Tea
Most stain is caused by black tea. It is, in fact, more pigmented than coffee. Tea contains a lot of active pigments that give it a dark colour. It also has a high concentration of tannins, organic substances known to stain the enamel of the teeth, causing yellow or dark brown plaque to form over time.
Coffee
Coffee, like tea, contains active pigments and saturated carbohydrates that influence tooth colour. You run the risk of developing brown teeth and stubborn dark spots if you take them regularly. Coffee stains the tooth enamel, alters the acid-base balance, and causes the surface to deteriorate.
Carbonated drinks
The high concentration of sugar and acids in carbonated drinks harms the enamel’s condition. They wash away the calcium and eat deeply into the top layer. Furthermore, artificial dyes are deposited in the dental tissue, eventually forming microcracks and caries. Soda and citric acid erode the enamel, causing it to thin and deteriorate. They also encourage the accumulation of tartar.
Natural juices
Because of their high vitamin content, fruits and berries are unquestionably healthy. They do, however, contain organic acids that erode the surface of the teeth, exposing the enamel pores. Citrus, Cherries, currants and blueberries can all have this effect.
Wine
Most wines contain acids and pigmented molecules. With continued drinking of wine, the enamel cracks and develops a greyish or yellow tint with spots.
What Can I Drink That Won’t Stain My Teeth?
All consumables, in one way or the other, stain the teeth, but some are known to improve the overall condition of the enamel. They include:
- Mineral Water: It contains minerals like calcium that help strengthen the teeth.
- Milk: Milk doesn’t just keep your teeth white. They also provide important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
- Tap water: Its regulated quality and fluoride content help prevent tooth staining and promote dental health.
- Vodka Soda: They are also proven to kill some bacteria in the mouth.
- Green tea: Green tea won’t stain your teeth. Its natural compounds and low acidity makes it a teeth-friendly beverage for dental health.
How To Protect Tooth Enamel
The enamel is always at risk of eroding. When this happens, the oral health of the mouth reduces, and dental problems set in. You can protect the tooth enamel by following these tips.
- Maintain daily hygiene. It is recommended that a whitening paste and rinse aid be used. Do not overlook the use of dental floss. It gets rid of plaque particles that absorb dyes.
- For more gentle care, use a soft toothbrush.
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking an acidic liquid. Brushing can cause thinning and erosion because the acid softens the enamel. Simply rinse your mouth out with water.
- Drink plenty of water in addition to your meals. It will aid in the removal of unwanted pigments.
- Keep track of your diet. If at all possible, avoid unwanted liquids. Replace drinks with water or reduce your consumption. Take note of the food’s acidity level as well.
- Make use of cocktail straws. This is one way to avoid limiting yourself to your favourite beverages. They will aid in the prevention of pigmented substances from entering the enamel surface.
- Food that is too hot or cold should not be consumed.
- Maintain regular visits to your dentist. Professional oral hygiene and preventive whitening will help keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible. Everyone can now use the whitening and cleaning procedure.
Paying attention to oral care every day will help you avoid future problems. A healthy enamel brings you closer to having a perfect smile and boosts your general well-being and confidence.
We consume different beverages daily and rarely consider their impact on tooth enamel. Many people are unaware that harmful drinks can significantly deteriorate the condition of their teeth and ruin a healthy, snow-white smile. To avoid getting your teeth permanently stained, make it a habit to visit the dentist regularly.
Dr Sophia Scantlebury has been in practice for many years and has helped adults and children have a smile they would be proud of. For further questions and consultations, call us at (718) 230-5046 and (718) 962-0637 or visit our office at 10 Plaza St. E., Suite 1H, Brooklyn, NY 11238.