Why Does Tannin Acid Stain Your Teeth?

Tannins, or tannic acids, are common chemicals in plants. Tannins are pale yellow to light brown compounds termed polyphenols that are soluble in water. Tannins have been used for centuries as dyes andinks and for "tanning" leather. The polyphenols react strongly with almost any protein, including the proteins in the teeth. In their natural state, tannins keep plants healthy, and tannins have health benefits for humans too, but tannins also stain teeth --an undesirable effect.

Healthy smiles need healthy white teeth.

Function

Red wine is rich in tannins.

Some plants have a lot of tannins, others have less. Polyphenols are concentrated in teas, coffee, cocoa, wine, grapes , beans , nuts, trees, leaves--just about anything vegetative has tannins. Tannins, or polyphenols, serve as antioxidants that help protect humans against dangerous free radicals, and they also deter insects that attack plants.

Features

Tea is another rich source.

Since polyphenols are water soluble, they release large mounts of tooth-staining pigment into the mouth and onto the teeth. Tannins stain teeth very well.

Effects

Clean teeth require some work.

The enamel of teeth is composed of proteins and calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite). Polyphenols, or tannins, react strongly with almost any protein. The tannins react with the enamel proteins, and microbial components affixed to tooth surfaces, and this strong binding starts the characteristic tannin, yellow-brown, look of teeth. Tannin has bound to the teeth. Removal of tannins from teeth requires regular, routine care and management, and useful strategies and efforts to restore teeth to whiteness.

Prevention/Solution

Baking soda on a toothbrush can help remove stains.

Since tannins will always react with surface enamel of the teeth, and even react somewhat deeper into the tooth structure, it is important to brush and floss teeth regularly for good mouth hygiene. Baking soda added directly to a toothbrush is one of the oldest, best, healthiest and least abrasive tooth whiteners and cleaners.Toothpastes with fluoride, whiteners and baking soda work well for many people. But for those with dark tannin deposits that do not get removed, strong oxidative bleaches, or professional cleaning and intervention, are needed.

Considerations

Bright teeth, bright smile.

All tooth whiteners should be used carefully, and according to the directions. Whiteners are very strong antioxidants.These bleaching agents work well. In some cases, with some people, results are rapid. In other cases, the results are very slow in the coming. If you are not satisfied with your whitening attempts, see a professional, and get teeth cleaning and whitening done right.

References

• Micropaedia of Encyclopedia Brittanica