Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and sweet potatoes are all common dishes found on a Thanksgiving table. Although delicious, some of the foods that make an appearance this time of year can wreak havoc on your smile, especially in the form of tooth stains and discoloration. If you want to make sure you look your best, consider avoiding or limiting certain Thanksgiving foods and learn how teeth whitening can ensure your smile is the brightest this year.
Which Stain-Causing Thanksgiving Foods Should You Avoid?
It may be difficult to completely avoid the foods on the following list. However, if you want your pearly whites to sparkle this holiday season, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat if you want to avoid tooth stains:
- Cranberry Sauce: The high acidity and dark red and purple color can attack your tooth enamel, breaking it down and causing stains.
- Red Wine: Similar to cranberries is red wine. With many options containing sugar, its deep red color can leave teeth discolored if consumed excessively.
- Fruit Pies: Cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry pies can lead to stains, and the high amounts of sugar and acid can break down tooth enamel.
- Coffee: This well-known stain-causing beverage may be enjoyed with dessert, but the dark tannins that make it bitter can remain on your tooth enamel long after you’re done eating.
What Can You Do to Avoid and Treat Stains?
Avoiding tooth stains during Thanksgiving mainly requires drinking a lot of water and maintaining a good oral hygiene routine.
By combining darkly pigmented foods and beverages with water, you flush away stain-causing particles while also encouraging saliva production. This added moisture in your mouth neutralizes acids that can break down tooth enamel and cause cavities.
Also, by brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with mouthwash as instructed, you can remove surface stains and minimize your risk for dental decay.
If stains already exist, you can ask your dentist about professional teeth whitening. This cosmetic solution targets stains above and below the enamel, effectively removing them and leaving behind a whiter set of pearly whites.
Don’t be afraid of the Thanksgiving table this year. Instead, consider your options. Enjoy your favorite foods, but also take the necessary steps to keep your teeth brighter and more beautiful throughout the holidays.
About the Practice
Little Rock Family Dental Care consists of a host of qualified dentists who provide comprehensive services all under one roof. When treating patients who are suffering from tooth stains, we have the experience and ability to provide in-office and take-home teeth whitening. By eradicating stains found on the surface and below the enamel, we can enhance a patient’s appearance with the highest-quality products on the market. If you want to see a brighter smile when posing for family photos this year, visit our website or call (501) 514-9205 to find out how we can help.