While it is natural to enjoy life by consuming food and drinks, we must be aware of their positive and adverse effects. Some of the drinks we love the most adversely affect our teeth. Once we understand how the discoloration of the teeth works, it's simply a matter of taking precautions to protect our teeth. We want to appear best with the whiteness of our natural teeth.
What causes discoloration of teeth from drinks?
Four compounds are mainly responsible for tooth discoloration.
Acids weaken the tooth enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to stains.
Chromogens – Foods and drinks containing chromogens cause the teeth to appear yellow
Food dyes – Drinks that contain food dye, like sports drinks and candies, can also discolor the teeth
Tannins – Drinks that contain tannins cause teeth to be stained.
Drinks that have a higher concentration of these compounds or combine these compounds produce a high discoloration of the teeth. The higher tannin content in red wine has been found to increase stain intensity. Highly acidic beverages are responsible for staining the teeth. Among them, phosphoric acid is accountable for weakening the tooth enamel and making the teeth more susceptible to stains. A study, "Impact on Dental Staining Caused by Beverages," revealed that teeth staining is mainly due to phosphoric acid and chromogens. Phosphoric acid weakens the tooth enamel, and the chromogens act on the etched enamel and, in turn, cause a brownish discoloration.
Which drinks have a higher concentration that one needs to avoid?
1. White and Red Wine
The higher tannin content in red wine has been found to increase the intensity of the stain and reduce the whiteness of your teeth. To minimize the staining, keep a glass of water nearby, take a sip, and swish it around every few minutes. On the other hand, white wine attacks and dissolves a thin, protective coating around teeth. Furthermore, white wine can still contribute to staining by etching the enamel and making it more susceptible to stains from other foods and drinks. It's best to avoid both red and white wine.
Tannins have also been reported to exert other physiological effects, such as accelerating blood clotting, reducing blood pressure, decreasing the serum lipid level, producing liver necrosis, and modulating immune responses—another reason to avoid these drinks.
2. Sports drink
Sports drinks cause discoloration of the teeth due to food dye present in them. A study highlighted by CNN found that after immersing cow teeth (similar to human teeth) in Gatorade, the dentin softened noticeably. This softening and the drink's sugar content can increase susceptibility to staining and decay.
3. Carbonated beverages (light and dark)
Carbonated drinks, like soda, contain phosphoric acid, which can wear down enamel. The combination of carbonation, acid, and sugar in these drinks can wreak havoc on your dental health. The carbonation process leads to the formation of carbonic corrosive, which can disintegrate the tooth polish over the long haul over time. This erosion weakens the protective layer of the teeth, making them more susceptible to decay and cavities.
4. Black tea
It has been stereotyped that Tea and Coffee discolor the teeth the most. However, a 2014 research study that studied the effect of Coffee, tea, cola, and red wine on tooth color revealed that only cola, tea, and red wine were the top three drinks that significantly affected tooth coloring. The trio had five times more staining on the teeth than other liquids like Coffee. Rejoice, Coffee lovers!!!
5. Sauces made of soy, curry, and tomato.
Darker sauces, like soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, also have high levels of acid that can break down enamel and cause tooth discoloration.
So, are you saying that I need to stop drinking them?
No. These drinks cut into our daily conception, and avoiding such foods and beverages is too tricky. To balance the negative impact of these drinks, one needs to follow simple oral hygiene like brushing your teeth at least twice daily, flossing at least once daily to remove plaque, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day to kill bacteria that cause plaque. It is a good idea to use whitening toothpaste (once or twice a week only) to remove surface stains and prevent yellowing. In addition, drink water or eat a fruit such as apple when you drink the above beverages, as they offer a natural cleansing effect. American Dental Association, in a survey, has discovered that nearly 69% of Americans brush their teeth twice a day. If you are among that percentage, you are already doing some things right.
Ready for a dazzling, confident smile? Iconic Dental is running a superb promotion on teeth whitening. Iconic Dental offers state-of-the-art teeth whitening that removes years of stains in just one visit! Our cutting-edge technology ensures safe, comfortable, and quick results, giving you a brighter, long-lasting smile. Our experienced team is dedicated to transforming your smile and boosting your confidence. Don't wait – schedule your teeth whitening appointment today and shine brighter with a radiant, beautiful smile! When you book your first whitening appointment, you will get a whitening pen – Absolutely Free.
Comments