Chromogenic foods

The pigments attach to the surface

The teeth are covered with a thin film formed in particular from components of saliva. Colored food compounds can be deposited there or attached to the tooth surface: this is called extrinsic coloring. The interactions between these substances and the surface explain why a drink can leave marks gradually, without immediately changing the entire color of the smile.

Acidity acts by another mechanism

A pigmented food and an acidic food do not pose exactly the same problem. Acids can dissolve part of the mineralized tissues and promote erosion when exposure is repeated. A clear drink can therefore be worrying for the enamel without being very colourful. Conversely, a visible stain alone does not prove enamel loss.

The color also comes from within

The visible color also depends on the internal tissues and how light passes through or reflects into the tooth. Removing surface pigments does not remove this component. This is why stain prevention can maintain a clean smile, but does not guarantee a shade whiter than your natural color or a dramatic change.