Tooth Decay

Top Teeth Staining Foods

Determined to keep those pearly whites their whitest?

You already know how important it is to brush and floss daily, to see a dentist periodically and to avoid smoking or chewing tobacco. You should also be mindful of certain foods and beverages that stain teeth.

As you might imagine, intensely colored foods and beverages tend to be the biggest offenders. If you’re worried about spilling on your white tablecloth, you can be sure it’s got the potential to stain teeth.  The more intense the color, the more potential there is for staining.

The color in these foods and beverages comes from chromogens, intensely pigmented molecules with an unfortunate penchant for latching on to dental enamel. But the presence of chromogens isn’t the only thing that determines the staining potential of foods and beverages.

Acidity is another factor. Acidic foods and beverages -- including some that are not brightly colored -- promote staining by eroding the dental enamel, temporarily softening teeth and making it easier for chromogens to latch on. And finally, a family of food compounds known as tannins promotes staining by further boosting chromogens’ ability to attach to enamel.

 

The Top Teeth-Staining Foods and Beverages

Wine

Tea

Cola

Sports drinks

Berries

Sauces

Sweets

Ironically, many of the foods and beverages that stain teeth are loaded with antioxidants, which, of course, have key health benefits.

 “Moderation and a balanced diet are key,” saysDr Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

In addition, consider taking steps to minimize the contact between your teeth and stain-promoting substances.  Using a straw, swallowing promptly and rinsing immediately after eating are effective, adds Dr. Cherukuri.

Radiation Treatment and your Mouth

While radiaton helps treat cancer, it also causes some harmful side effects.

Radiation is used to kill cancer cells but it can also harm normal cells causing problems with the soft lining of the mouth, glands that make saliva (spit) and the jaw bones.  These side effects can hurt and make it hard to swallow, eat or talk. Infections are likely that may require scaling back or even  suspending cancer treatment says Dr. Cherukuri.

Radiation causes:

Dry mouth resulting in rampant decay

Loss of taste

Sore mouth and gums making swallowing, eating and talking difficult

Infections

Jaw stiffness

Jaw bone changes

Seeing your dentist ahead of the start of radiation can help prevent serious mouth problems. Most side effects in the mouth following radiation happen because a person's mouth is not healthy.  You need to see the dentist at least 2 weeks before the first radiation treatment.

• Keep the mouth moist-

                 Drink a lot of water
                 Suck ice chips
                 Use sugarless gum
                 Use saliva substitutes

• Brush teeth, gums and tongue with extra soft bristled tooth brush to avoid any injury
• Use fluoride tooth paste and other fluoride supplements
• Avoid mouthwashes with any alcohol content.
• Have ill fitting dentures adjusted.
• Choose soft, easy to swallow foods
• Take small bites and sip liquids with your meal.
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, sugary and highly acidic foods that can aggravate your mouth.
• Avoid tobacco products
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.

For questions of this blog or for  a complimentary office consult,  call 909 627-6699 or visit our website www.chinosmiles.com


 

What are you drinking??