Healthy human teeth are usually a bright shade of slightly yellowish off-white, but dental enamel can be stained or discolored by chemical exposure, age, and other factors. While your dentist will be happy to whiten your teeth with professional treatments that are incredibly effective, some people may be able to brighten their smile by including more turmeric in their diets. Here’s a quick look at how dental stains form, how turmeric may be able to reduce them, and how your dentist can help you achieve your ideal smile.
What Causes Dental Stains?
Dental Stains can be caused by factors like:
- Foods and beverages: The tannins, pigments, and dyes found in fare like coffee, tea, red wine, cola, juice, berries, candy, and dark sauces can leave unsightly stains on your teeth. The acids in soda, juice, and alcoholic beverages can also make teeth more vulnerable to stains.
- Injury: A severely damaged tooth may darken months or years after the injury occurred.
- Age: As the whitish enamel layer of the teeth becomes thinner with age, the darker dentin layer will become more visible, which can leave an older person with a yellowish smile.
- Certain antibiotics: Children who receive tetracycline antibiotics may be more likely to develop permanent dental stains.
How Can Turmeric Brighten Teeth?
While the cosmetic dental benefits of turmeric have not been scientifically demonstrated, many dentists claim that it seems to help reduce dental stains without the risks that come with store-bought teeth whitening products. This spice may also reduce the risk of gingivitis and more serious forms of gum disease. If you wish to see how turmeric may be able to benefit you, consider including more of it in your diet.
How Can My Dentist Help?
Your dentist and their staff are trained and equipped to administer effective, safe, and comfortable teeth whitening treatments that can eliminate stubborn stains and leave teeth up to eight shades whiter. These treatments can take the form of a take-home whitening kit that can be completed in about two weeks or an in-office procedure that can be carried out in about an hour. Professional teeth whitening is a painless and noninvasive process that consistently delivers amazing results.
Don’t let frustrating dental stains make you less willing to show off your grin. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best way to brighten your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Karen Neil earned her dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and is a Fellow of the International Academy of Implant Dentistry. Her office in Fort Worth offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. If you are concerned about dental stains, contact her office on the web or dial (817) 738-3368.