{"id":74,"date":"2021-07-05T23:55:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-05T23:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sunnydentallancaster.com\/blog\/?p=74"},"modified":"2021-11-05T14:11:37","modified_gmt":"2021-11-05T14:11:37","slug":"tannins-stains-teeth-whitening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sunnydentallancaster.com\/blog\/2021\/07\/05\/tannins-stains-teeth-whitening\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Tannins and How Do They Stain Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TeethAre you embarrassed by your brown or yellow teeth? You\u2019re not alone. Tooth discoloration is a common complaint, but it\u2019s normal for your teeth to darken as you age because your yellowish dentin becomes more visible as your enamel thins. While you can\u2019t stop the aging process, the passing of time isn\u2019t the only thing that can darken your smile. Tannins found in many of your favorite foods and drinks also contribute to discoloration. Thankfully, your dentist can turn back the clock with teeth whitening.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n

What are Tannins?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tannins are a group of compounds found in nature that are\nbitter and astringent. They are all around you, from the bark of a tree to the\nfruits of a plant. If you follow a balanced diet, you likely have several\ntannins on your table every day, like the coffee you drink in the morning or\nthe blueberries in your oatmeal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Tannins Stain Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All tannins have one thing in common: they bind and separate\nproteins. Did you know your saliva is full of protein? As a result, the pigment\nof tannins can bind with your saliva. Not only can your mouth feel dry, but\nyour enamel can change color, too. The hard outer layer of your teeth is porous,\nwhich means they can absorb certain substances, like tannins. They\u2019ll seep in\nthe small crevasses of the enamel, which can lead to permanent discoloration if\nyou don\u2019t brush your teeth immediately after having something that\u2019s darkly\npigmented, like red wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Combat Tooth Discoloration?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To reverse the appearance of stains, you could reach for an OTC\nproduct, but you won\u2019t achieve the results you want. Although they are\nconvenient, they don\u2019t contain a professional-strength whitening agent, so they\nhave little to no effect on tannin stains. Thankfully, your dentist has the\nsolutions you need to restore a beautiful smile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your dentist uses highly concentrated whitening agents to\ndeeply penetrate the enamel to resolve tough stains. Your teeth can become as\nmuch as 8 shades whiter after just one in-office treatment. With the right\naftercare, your results can last from several months to years. You can ensure\nyour pearly whites stay bright by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n