Understanding Tannins and Their Teeth-Staining Potential

Have you noticed your teeth losing that shade of white you got during your last visit to the dentist, but you aren’t sure what is causing the color change?

Many foods and beverages have the capability to stain your teeth, especially if you consume them on a regular basis. Some items stain primarily because they contain tannins, which are a group of bitter and astringent compounds found in many plants. Read on to learn more about what tannins are and how they can stain teeth to the point that you may wish to schedule a teeth whitening treatment

What Is the Purpose of Tannins?

Plants produce tannins to make themselves unpalatable. Their purpose in nature is to deter animals from eating a plant’s fruit or seeds before they’re ripe. If you have ever bitten into an unripe pear or plum, the bitter, mouth-coating taste that followed was a result of tannins.

Humans use tannins from various tree barks to tan animal hides and make leather. They have quite a few other uses, such as dyeing fibers like cotton.

The bitterness of tannins in foods and beverages can actually be pleasant when managed well. Examples include tea, coffee, dark chocolate, and red wine. Some other items to be mindful of for the presence of tannins are pomegranates, grapes, apples, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, cranberries, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, squash, rhubarb, cinnamon, thyme, cloves, vanilla, chickpeas, beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, non-citrus fruit juices, and beer.

How Do Tannins Stain Your Teeth?

As the outermost part of your tooth, the enamel serves as the first line of defense. The enamel is naturally porous and can absorb substances like sugar, bacteria, and tannins. When you eat foods with a significant amount of tannins, they will stick to the small cracks and ridges of the enamel. In order to avoid discoloration, you are advised to consume these foods and beverages in moderation and brush your teeth after eating.

When enamel is coated with tannins, there is a high probability that sugars, proteins, and bacteria will stick, as well. While this can be a positive if good bacteria sticks, when carbohydrates and sugar stick to the enamel, it can lead to cavities.

Pigmented foods like red wine, cherries, curry, and soy sauce have a substance called chromogen. Tannins react with chromogens and intensify their color, resulting in teeth discoloration.

What Can You Do to Combat Staining from Tannins?

It is difficult and not advisable to completely avoid items with tannins since they are a great source of antioxidants. However, there are ways to alleviate their effects and reduce the risk of permanent teeth discoloration.

A simple trick is to add cream or milk to hot tea and coffee. This weakens the tannins and the dark color of these drinks. Managing your carbohydrate and sugar intake will also help.

When you need a real boost to get the shade of your teeth back where you want them to be, consider booking a teeth-whitening treatment with your dentist. In the meantime, tannins are not bad for you, but be mindful of the items that contain them and exercise moderation.

About the Author

Dr. Karen Ho has nearly 20 years of dental experience, and she loves providing top-notch oral healthcare for patients here in Campbell. Growing up with a love of arts and crafts, as well as a desire to enter the medical profession, she eventually discovered that through dentistry, she could enrich the lives of her patients and use her artistry to improve their smiles. Dr. Ho takes approximately 50 hours of continuing education each year to stay abreast of the latest techniques in the dental field. To schedule a teeth-whitening treatment or inquire about one of the many other dental services offered, visit her website or call (408) 558-9444.