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Here at Gunnerson Dental, our experienced Payson, Utah dentist Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson and team understand how vital a brilliant smile is. Yet, some foods and drinks we often enjoy the most result in tooth stains that brushing and home treatments may struggle to remove. Here are some of the biggest culprits to avoid for brighter pearly whites and to keep in mind as a part of your food and beverage habits after professional teeth whitening.
Foods that are high in acidity and dark pigment can easily lead to enamel erosion and stained teeth. Here are some of the most troublesome that can lead to the need for more frequent exams and dental cleanings or other cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth whitening.
While tomato sauces atop Italian dishes and Mediterranean cuisine are delicious, their high acidity levels take a toll on teeth—especially crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants. Their bright hue tends to cause stains, and Dr. Gunnerson recommends a good rinsing after partaking dark sauces as prevention.
Spices such as turmeric and curry with a rich, deep color not only cause surface stains, but they can embed in between teeth and create unattractive discolorations in crevices. Some popular seasoning liquids and additions such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and other darker fluids can have a staining effect on teeth.
Berries and the tasty and healthy juices they produce have tiny particulates that can attach to and penetrate pores in tooth enamel and lead to persistent staining. These include intensely pigmented fruits such as:
Immediately brushing after consumption is a good start towards avoiding the need for frequent professional teeth whitening.
Beverages rich in tannins that increase the stickiness of teeth such as coffee, tea, and dark colas can be a serious contributor to darkening teeth surfaces. Another primary tooth-staining drink is red wine, highly acidic and allows the nectar to etch into the tooth surface and even the tongue. While a quick rinse with a good oral solution can be helpful along with brushing, frequent indulgence in sweet, tooth staining liquids can equate to more serious dental problems and cavities.
Sugary sports and energy drinks and dark sodas can erode the enamel over time, allowing the tooth’s dentin to show through, furthering the stained appearance. On the plus side, adding 2% milk to tea can substantially reduce staining, according to published studies. If you cannot give up these drinks and are a routine consumer, our Payson, UT dentist may recommend dental veneers.
Look no further for professional and effective teeth whitening options than Dr. Cheyn Gunnerson at Gunnerson Dental. We have various options available for residents of Payson, UT, regarding teeth whitening treatments. Call (801) 658-0175 to book an appointment or schedule a service online.
Here at Gunnerson Dental, we accept most major insurance providers. If you do not see your insurance provider listed, please contact our office directly.
We will be happy to take your information and do a complimentary benefits check to see how your plan will work with our office.