Drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine are not only some of the most pigmented drinks ingested but are also some of the most common (Tooth Discoloration, 2016). 54% of Americans over 18 drinks at least one cup of coffee everyday not including the extra cups ingested if one is overly stressed or has had a late night and early morning (Coffee by the Numbers, 2016). On average, 27.9 ounces (3.5 cups) are ingested every day (Coffee by the Numbers, 2016). Approximately 2 billion Americans drink tea every morning (Tea Drinking Statistics, 2014). Also, on average, Americans drink 74 alcoholic drinks per week (Engber, 2014). The rate of ingestion of these substances cause havoc on teeth. Although it is easy to point the finger of blame at these drinks, it is actually the substances inside of these drinks and many others that cause staining. Chromogens, tannins, and acids are the causes for teeth staining (Fields & Friedman, 2016). Chromogens are compounds with strong pigments that cling to the enamel. Tannins are plant-based compounds that make it easier for stains to stick to the tooth itself. Acids make tooth enamel softer so the stains can set in easier. Because dentin is responsible for tooth color (Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration, 2016), if drinks with strong pigments are able to set, the tooth will be changed to unsavory
Drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine are not only some of the most pigmented drinks ingested but are also some of the most common (Tooth Discoloration, 2016). 54% of Americans over 18 drinks at least one cup of coffee everyday not including the extra cups ingested if one is overly stressed or has had a late night and early morning (Coffee by the Numbers, 2016). On average, 27.9 ounces (3.5 cups) are ingested every day (Coffee by the Numbers, 2016). Approximately 2 billion Americans drink tea every morning (Tea Drinking Statistics, 2014). Also, on average, Americans drink 74 alcoholic drinks per week (Engber, 2014). The rate of ingestion of these substances cause havoc on teeth. Although it is easy to point the finger of blame at these drinks, it is actually the substances inside of these drinks and many others that cause staining. Chromogens, tannins, and acids are the causes for teeth staining (Fields & Friedman, 2016). Chromogens are compounds with strong pigments that cling to the enamel. Tannins are plant-based compounds that make it easier for stains to stick to the tooth itself. Acids make tooth enamel softer so the stains can set in easier. Because dentin is responsible for tooth color (Tooth Enamel Erosion and Restoration, 2016), if drinks with strong pigments are able to set, the tooth will be changed to unsavory