One of the first things people notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours appears more brown or yellow than pearly white, you might not make a positive impression. Although teeth whitening can lighten your enamel to boost your confidence in your looks, the effect tends to be temporary because your teeth can re-stain.
If you’re unsure how or why your grin looks muddy, continue reading to learn how certain foods cause dental discoloration and what you can do about it!
What is Enamel?
Your teeth contain tender roots that are protected by a layer of enamel, the hardest substance produced by the human body. This outer coating shields the lower layer of dentin and the pulp inside, safeguarding your smile for your entire life.
Although it’s more durable than bone, that doesn’t mean enamel is invincible. It can wear down over time or lose mineral content, increasing your vulnerability to common problems like tooth decay or injuries. Not only that, but it has microscopic pores where bacteria and other cells can hide. That means prolonged or repeated exposure to darkly tinted foods can eventually leave your teeth looking drab.
Why Do Some Foods Tint My Teeth?
Brushing and flossing twice daily is essential for your oral health because it consistently removes buildup that contributes to cavities, gum disease, and stains. Germs and leftover food can collect and create a layer of residue that gives pigmented particles an ideal surface to cling to: your enamel.
Some common culprits known to stain, such as tea, coffee, and wine, contain tannins. These are naturally occurring organic compounds responsible for giving plants their bitter flavor. Unfortunately, they’re also infamous for sticking to the surface of your teeth to cause discoloration.
Other ingredients, like berries, cherries, curry, and soy, get their deep hues from chromogens, which can also cause blemishes. These cells can also combine with tannins, intensifying their ability to stain.
How Can I Brighten My Smile?
Avoiding darkly pigmented foods is the best way to prevent dental discoloration, but even if you minimize your consumption, you might still develop problems. Thankfully, your dentist can provide professional teeth whitening services to help you achieve your ideal tooth tone. A single in-office procedure can potentially lighten your enamel by up to eight shades, or if you’re short on time, you can request a take-home kit. Many dentists provide everything you need, like custom-fitted applicator trays and ultra-concentrated gels, to achieve top-quality results from your living room.
Additionally, establishing a consistent routine of brushing and flossing twice daily can help maintain your smile between visits to your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
About the Practice
At BGH Dental, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Jenna, Dr. Hrinda, and Dr. Garcia collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including cosmetics. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art equipment to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. If you want a brighter smile, you can request a consultation on the website or call (413) 772-0842.