Turmeric is an Indian spice which is widely used in cooking across the country. You will find in the kitchen of almost every Indian household, the ones in which you don't find it, they are yet to order it in. Turmeric has been used since ancient times for it's various medicinal benefits. However, it has it's cons as well. Excess use of turmeric can stain teeth. Turmeric has certain properties which lead to leaving a yellowish layer on the surface of your teeth if consumed over a long period of time but this is completely preventable because it does not affect your oral health at large and majorly imbalances colour.
How Do Turmeric Stains Teeth?
By now we've come to an understanding that the answer to the question, "Can turmeric stain teeth?" is yes. Turmeric is used in a wide variety of cooked meals and when you consume it for an extended period, your chances of getting yellow teeth go up. Turmeric’s compound curcumin contains pigments that can stain your enamel into a yellow colour over the course of time. However, this imbalance of colour is preventable with few regular efforts made at the leisure of your home.
Factors That Influence Turmeric Staining
Turmeric is used in every cooked food and also in some drinks. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory substances which makes it a go-to spice to consume. However, turmeric can also stain your teeth with regular consumption. There are a few factors that influence turmeric staining on your teeth.
Curcumin- Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin which contains pigments which are attached to the surface of your teeth and leaves an unwanted yellowish colour.
Enamel exposure- The yellow colour on your teeth caused by turmeric also depends upon how much your enamel is being exposed to. The longer it stays, the more colour becomes evident.
Poor Oral Health- If your oral hygiene is not up to the mark then your teeth are likely to get stained with any substances that have properties to leave a stain.
Preventing Turmeric Stains
Turmeric does not stain your teeth permanently but it can leave an unwanted stain. These stains are easily preventable.
Brush Your Teeth- Brush your teeth regularly twice a day to maintain good oral hygiene resulting in removing stains.
Flossing- Flossing regularly helps remove the stuck food debris from your teeth.
Wash Your Mouth- Wash your mouth with water after consuming any turmeric-based food so that the stain does not stay longer.
Limit Consumption- Eat and drink turmeric-based food in moderation. When you consume turmeric extensively, its curcumin might stain your teeth. Here are some other foods that might stain your teeth.
Home Remedies to Combat Turmeric Stains
Turmeric does stain your teeth because of curcumin substances which contain pigmentation but these can be removed from your teeth easily from the comfort of your home with minimal effort.
Baking Soda- Baking soda can remove the yellow stains from your teeth. You can take two tablespoons of baking soda and mix it well with hydrogen peroxide to form a paste and rub the paste into your teeth. Learn more about using baking soda for teeth whitening here.
Oil Pulling- You can also use the oil-pulling method with the help of Perfora’s Vedic Rinse Oil Pulling to remove the stain. This method was popular in ancient times. This method was not only useful for removing stains but it was also used for removing bad breath.
Activated Charcoal- Using activated charcoal-based toothpaste can help remove stains from your teeth.
Lemon peel- Lemon peel is one of the easiest methods to remove stains. You can simply rub the peel on your teeth and wash it with normal water.
Apple Cider Vinegar- You can use apple cider vinegar and mix it with enough water. Use the liquid to squish your mouth and then spit it out. Remember to wash your mouth with regular water.
Professional Treatments for Turmeric Stains
Turmeric or turmeric powder does stain your teeth if you regularly consume or drink it. Turmeric stains are easily preventable and removed but if they stay longer then you can opt for medical a solution to whiten your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Gel- Teeth whitening gels have bleaching characteristics and when the gel is put on the teeth, it removes the stains. This gel can remove any stains from coffee and turmeric. You can also use gel-based toothpastes.
Dental Veneers- This treatment is opted for when the situation is much worse. When the stains are hard enough to get removed easily, the dentist opts for dental veneers.
Lumineers- Medical procedures might have adverse effects on your enamel. Lumineers are used when you do not want your enamel to get affected in the process of teeth whitening.
Conclusion
Regular consumption of turmeric-based food or drinking can leave an unwanted yellowish layer on your tooth’s enamel. But it is easily treated in natural ways until it becomes harder to remove it. Remember to always brush your teeth, floss and rinse your mouth regularly after every meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I keep turmeric from staining my teeth?
Answer- After every meal, wash your mouth and regularly brush your teeth twice a day to not have any adverse effects on your teeth.
2. Does turmeric make teeth whiter?
Answer- There is no scientific evidence that turmeric makes teeth whiter but turmeric does have some anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can be mixed with baking soda to rub on teeth.
3. Does turmeric cause yellowing of teeth?
Answer- Yes, regular consumption of turmeric food or drink may leave a layer of yellow stain on your teeth. To avoid the stain, you can eat turmeric food or drink in moderation.
4. Does golden milk stain teeth?
Answer- Yes, golden milk contains turmeric which can cause stains on your teeth. You can prevent the stains using baking soda, apple cider vinegar and rubbing lemon peel.