As patients age, their teeth will eventually grow more yellow over time. However, there are certain foods that are known to stain teeth more than others. Generally speaking, there are three compounds that begin to make the whiteness of teeth fade. There are a�?chromogens,a�� which are compounds with strong colour which clings to tooth enamel. There are tannins, which are compounds that are plant-based and make it easier for stains to grip teeth. And finally there are acids, which soften tooth enamel and make it easier for stains to begin to form. Fortunately, as a dental hygienist, youa��ll be in an ideal position to counsel patients on how to alter their diets to keep their teeth from becoming stained.
By advising your patients to avoid foods that contain high amounts of these various compounds, you can help them make sure they keep their smiles bright.
Continue reading to discover three of the biggest culprits behind tooth stains.
1. When You Become a Dental Hygienist You May Advise Patients Against Pasta
Pasta and pasta sauces work against teeth in several different ways, which is why you might advise patients to avoid consuming too much of these dishes.
To begin with, pasta is a simple starch. Simple starches can convert to sugar and become food for bacteria, which cause tooth decay and enamel breakdown and makes patienta��s teeth much more susceptible to staining.
In addition, pasta sauce contains plenty of acid, which softens tooth enamel, letting stains creep and set in. Pasta sauce also contains lots of red pigment, so once the acid of the pasta sauce softens up patienta��s tooth enamel, the red colour of the pasta sauce will have a much easier time penetrating teeth and causing stains.
2. When You Become a Dental Hygienist, Advise Patients Against Tea and Coffee
Graduates with a dental hygiene accredited diploma know that coffee and tea are among the worst beverages for staining teeth. Tea actually has a stronger staining effect on teeth than coffee, but it is best to avoid both. Thata��s because tea contains more a�?tannins,a�� which are plant compounds that can stain teeth when coming into prolonged contact with them. Dark, teeth staining pigments are found in both tea and coffee, and can cling and penetrate enamel when patients consume too much.
3. When You Become a Dental Hygienist, Advise Patients to Consume Less Red Wine
Red wine also contains tannins, which is why graduates of dental hygienist school often advise patients to reduce their red wine consumption if they want to avoid staining their teeth. If patients do consume red wine, you could advise them to drink water in between glasses, as well as having a glass of wine with a meal, as these are great ways to keep the mouth free of left-behind wine. By instructing your clients to follow these simply precautions, you can help them keep their teeth whiter for longer.
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Contact an advisor today to learn how you can begin your journey to a rewarding career in dental hygiene!
