Tannins are naturally occurring chemical compounds that give certain foods and drinks, like wine and coffee, their tell-tale color and slightly bitter flavor. If you regularly consume foods or drinks with high tannin content, you are at an increased risk of teeth staining, decay, and cavities. Here's what you should know about tannins, as well as some dental care tips for minimizing stains and other issues.

What Are Tannins?

Technically, tannins are natural polyphenols found in different types of plants, bark, and fruit skins. They don't have a defined flavor, but they are responsible for the rough, dry, astringent feeling you get in your mouth after consuming certain foods or drinks.

Once inside the mouth, tannins—which are naturally sticky—adhere to tooth enamel and attract sugars, carbohydrates, enzymes, and other substances, causing these substances to adhere to the teeth as well. This leads to noticeable staining and discoloration and a greater risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Many acidic foods have a high tannin content. This includes red wine, coffee, tea, chocolate, and soy sauce. Fruits like apples, berries, cherries, and grapes also contain high levels of tannins.

How Do You Avoid Tooth Discoloration?

If you regularly ingest tannin-heavy foods or drinks, there are some steps you can take to protect your teeth and avoid stains and decay. First, if you are a dedicated coffee or tea drinker, consider adding cream to your beverage, as this weakens the tannins and the intensity of their color. You might also want to use a straw to help route staining liquids past the teeth and toward the back of the mouth. Second, aim to brush your teeth or, at least, rinse your mouth well after consuming foods or drinks with tannins. Finally, be sure to maintain good dental care. Brush and floss at least twice daily, and see your dental care provider for biannual checkups. Your dentist can also monitor the effects of tannins on your teeth and explore teeth whitening options with you.

Don't let tannins diminish the brightness of your smile or the health of your mouth. Teresa Wade, DDS - Family Dentistry can help. For 40 years, Dr. Wade has been serving the Andrews, TX, area. She and her team offer comprehensive dental care, including preventative, therapeutic, and cosmetic treatments. Dr. Wade is proud to be Texas born, raised, and educated. Call (432) 523-7782 to schedule an appointment or visit her website for more information.