One of the best ways to keep a bright smile is to avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth. Most of us love a good cup of coffee or black tea in the morning, an afternoon with green tea, and a satisfying chocolate bar occasionally. But these foods and drinks can affect the radiance of your smile.
One spice that causes concern with tooth stains is turmeric, a yellow spice that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine for various health benefits. Recently, it has gained popularity for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Generally, turmeric won’t cause staining on your teeth, and many people use it as part of at-home whitening remedies.
Tumeric & Teeth Staining
The pigment in turmeric, curcumin, is a natural dye that can potentially stain. However, turmeric is not a significant stain-causing agent to your teeth when consumed in moderation.
Brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing stains. If you consume turmeric and notice that your teeth have a yellow tint, brush your teeth twice daily with a whitening toothpaste and use a whitening mouthwash. Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning to remove any surface stains.
Turmeric for Teeth Whitening
According to anecdotal evidence, turmeric is a natural remedy to help whiten teeth. Many have found success using turmeric and curcumin toothpaste or curcumin-based whitening powders.
However, if you’re brushing with turmeric, limit its use to only once per day. Turmeric whitening is believed to be as effective as baking soda or activated charcoal but not as effective as professional whitening solutions.
Benefits of Turmeric on Your Oral Health
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can provide extra protection for your teeth and gums against:
- Gingivitis
- Plaque buildup
- Dental pain
Tooth Stains FAQs
Other foods, drinks, and lifestyle habits have the power to cause surface stains on your teeth.
Does Coffee Stain Teeth?
A cup of coffee is a morning ritual for most. Coffee contains tannins that break down in water and cause the brown colour to stick to your teeth. The acidic nature of coffee can also make your teeth more susceptible to staining. Sipping coffee frequently throughout the day or adding cream and sugar to it increases the chance of discoloration by speeding up bacteria growth.
Drink your morning coffee in one sitting and finish with water to rinse away any lingering acids and protect your enamel.
Does Green Tea Stain Teeth?
Green tea is a healthier morning drink option; if you like drinking hot beverages, switching to green tea after your coffee is recommended. The tannins in green tea can lead to minor staining. However, drinking green tea can have less of an effect on your teeth than coffee due to its lower acidity levels.
Early evidence suggests that green tea has more significant benefits on your oral health. Green tea contains antioxidants, can help with cognitive function, and supports healthy weight and blood sugar.
Does Chocolate Stain Teeth?
Dark chocolate is an excellent snack for your body’s health, but it also has the potential to stain your teeth. The cocoa and sugars in chocolate can penetrate the porous surface of your enamel, causing bacteria growth, acidity, plaque buildup, and eventually lead to staining.
Does Vaping Stain Teeth?
Vaping has become a popular trend, but it also negatively affects oral health. The vape heating coil turns the liquid into steam, which can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth reduces saliva production, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. The aerosols can lead to bacteria growth that can cause yellow stains on the teeth.
How Can Professional Teeth Whitening Remove Stains?
Professional teeth whitening treatments typically use hydrogen peroxide to break down the molecules causing staining on the teeth’s enamel, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. Your dentist will apply the whitening solution to your teeth and use an LED light a few times to allow the formula to work and remove the outer layer of enamel stains.
How Long Does the Teeth Whitening Process Take?
Professional teeth whitening treatments can take 30 minutes to an hour-long session in the dentist’s office. However, the treatment time length depends on the stains’ severity. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve a whiter smile if your teeth are deeply stained.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe?
Professional teeth whitening treatments are safe when done under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The dentist can accurately measure the concentration of the whitening solution, preventing adverse reactions and limiting sensitivity during and after treatment.
Get a Brighter, Whiter Smile
While you can prevent surface stains by avoiding bad habits, brushing twice a day, and flossing daily, maintaining regular dental cleanings is vital to supporting a healthy mouth. Professional teeth whitening can help remove stubborn stains and give you a brighter, more radiant smile.
Whether you’re due for your 6-month cleaning or need a consultation for teeth whitening, schedule an appointment with Rockwood Dental on 17 Ave. for all your dental care needs.
