Proper dental care is crucial for maintaining a bright, healthy smile for life. Your diet is equally important, as certain foods can affect your oral health and contribute to staining. Tannins do have an impact on the brightness of your smile, but there are ways to avoid their effects while still enjoying your favorite foods and beverages. 

What Are Tannins?

Tannins are organic compounds that have a bitter, astringent quality. They provide deep coloration to food and drink, as illustrated by the rich color of many varieties of red wine. On their own, tannins are not necessarily harmful to oral health. 

However, they can attract carbohydrates, sugars, and other substances that damage enamel. While strong, tooth enamel is porous. As certain substances penetrate the surface, they can cause discoloration. 

Which Foods and Beverages Contain Tannins?

Many popular beverages have high levels of tannins. This includes wine, beer, tea, coffee, and apple juice. As for tannin-rich foods, they include chocolate, pomegranates, blueberries, beans, peanuts, and certain grains. Lots of sauces also contain tannins, such as curry and soy sauce. 

How Can You Avoid Enamel Discoloration?

It's not feasible to avoid all items with tannins, many of which offer health benefits in the form of antioxidants. However, you can take steps to mitigate their effects. Rinsing with water after consuming a tannin-rich food or beverage can prevent discoloration, as well as eliminate harmful oral bacteria. 

Sipping wine through a straw can also limit contact with your enamel. When it comes to coffee and tea, adding milk or creamer reduces some effects of tannins, while also fortifying your teeth from the inside due to the added calcium content.

Visiting your dentist twice a year for cleanings is also crucial when it comes to the appearance of your smile. As a member of the American Dental Association, Stacy Lesley DDS holds very high standards when it comes to dental care. This clinic emphasizes the importance of preventative care, but also provides restorative services, like crowns and implants. If you're not happy with your smile, they also offer an effective teeth whitening procedure to boost the brightness of enamel. Schedule an appointment in Concord, NC, by calling (704) 766-1488 or learn more about their dental care services online.