{"id":607,"date":"2021-04-20T13:03:09","date_gmt":"2021-04-20T13:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=607"},"modified":"2021-05-06T13:06:35","modified_gmt":"2021-05-06T13:06:35","slug":"artistic-dentist-at-love-field","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bearcreekfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/04\/20\/artistic-dentist-at-love-field\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Deep Stains from Tannins Can Ruin Your Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it comes to what contributes to great smile<\/a> aesthetics, having bright-white teeth is nearly at the top of the list. However, there is an ingredient found in certain foods and beverages that can contribute to deep and dark stains: tannins. What are they and how do they contribute to a blemished grin? A dentist at Love Field answers and explains what you can do to maintain an attractive smile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Tannins Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Found abundantly in nature, tannins are a group of bitter and astringent compounds. They can be found in the wood, bark, leaves and fruit of various plants, including oak, rhubarb, tea, walnut, cranberry, cacao and grapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of tannins is to make plants unpalatable. The goal is to deter animals from eating them until they are ripe. As a hinderance, the tannins produce an unpleasant mouth-coating feeling when bitten into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tannins and Tooth Enamel Interaction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to protecting plants from being prematurely eaten, tannins produce rich colors. This is especially notable in grapes, their rich hues the result of the tannins reacting with chromogens (chemical compounds that produce colors).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can spell bad news for your smile aesthetics. The outer layer of the teeth (the enamel) is porous, which can become especially problematic when drinking a beverage like red wine, as the tannins can be easily absorbed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Stains and Discoloration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you can do to protect your smile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n