Contents
Introduction
- Definition and types of teeth stains: Staining of teeth is a gradual process that can cause teeth to get discoloured due to a number of factors including foods that we eat and drink. There are two types of stains, extrinsic and intrinsic.Extrinsic stains are accumulation of stains on the surface of the tooth while intrinsic stains are caused due to absorption of pigment particles into the tooth structure.
- Importance of understanding their causes: Common causes of staining of the teeth other than dietary factors include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, excessive fluoride, genetics, ageing, dental treatments, certain diseases and medications. This document discusses how the diet affects discoloration of the teeth.Understanding the role of diet in preventing teeth stains can help you attain a stain free smile.
Common Dietary Causes of Teeth Stains
- Coffee and Tea: Coffee and tea contain tannins that cause colour compounds to stick to your teeth.
- Berries and fruit juices: Dark berries like black berries and blueberries contain a dark pigmentation that can cause staining on teeth. Also deep coloured and dark fruit juices can also discolour your teeth.If your teeth has more porosity, this will lead to more permanent stains.
- Acidic Foods: Acidic foods like vinegar and drinks like red wine, cola, energy and sports drinks are known to have higher acidic content leading to enamel erosion making the tooth more susceptible to staining.
Source: Top 11 Foods that can Stain your Teeth
Source: Foods That Whiten and Stain Teeth | Blog | AZ Family Dental
Dietary Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Teeth Stains
- Try to limit certain foods that tend to stain your teeth.
- Choosing Stain-Resistant foods like apples, carrots, celery as they boost saliva and scrub your teeth removing stains naturally.
- Increase water intake. Water helps to wash away food and bacteria in your mouth. If the saliva is too acidic it can erode enamel and encourage staining and decay. Water helps to stabilise pH levels in the moth preventing teeth discoloration to a great extent.
- Consume dairy products and foods rich in calcium to neutralise acids that can damage your teeth. You can also eat foods rich in fibre to reduce the acidity in your mouth or eat green leafy vegetables to increase saliva production, which can limit tooth stains.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Practise good Oral Hygiene. Brush your teeth or rinse your mouth right after eating acidic foods and drinks that likely stain teeth. This can remove food’s acids and other staining properties from the teeth.
Tips for Managing Stains from Dietary Habits
- Do not let drinks responsible for staining linger in your mouth for a long time.
- Use a straw when drinking acidic beverages or juices that could stain your teeth. This minimises the contact of the acids with the teeth.
- Substitute a normal cup of tea or coffee with flavoured hot water.
- Recent research proved that casein, a protein in milk, was responsible for preventing tea induced stains.
- Regular dental checkups are recommended for professional dental cleaning that help to remove extrinsic stains and plaque build up.
Conclusion
Understanding tooth stains and the role of diet in preventing them and achieving a healthy, bright smile is essential. It is important to take proactive steps to prevent food stains and ensure a radiant smile. This can have a great impact not only on your oral health but also on your overall well being.
written by Shruthi
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/foods-that-stain-teeth#teeth-staining-foods-and-drinks
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-foods-stain-teeth
https://www.jrmds.in/articles/dental-staining-associated-with-various-types-of-coffee-94752.html