While many people worry about packing on the pounds at Thanksgiving, some also pack additional stains on to their teeth. Many of the popular foods and drinks we associate with Thanksgiving have stain–inducing-ingredients in them. Luckily, your dentist in Worthington can treat dull, stained teeth with various whitening treatments. In the meantime, here are some typical Thanksgiving staples to watch out for.
Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth
While you might not suspect pie as the culprit for your tooth discoloration, look beyond the crust. Many pie recipes include some type of berry. Berries, such as blueberries and blackberries, are known for their dark pigmentation. Grandma’s homemade pie may be a family favorite, but keep the stain factor in mind before reaching for seconds.
Beverages That Can Stain Your Teeth
Both wine and tea are guilty of staining teeth. Rinsing with water after drinking these beverages can help reduce your risk of stains. Also, try to avoid sipping these throughout the day so your teeth don’t experience repeated exposure. If you’re able to finish these beverages in one sitting your teeth will thank you.
Coffee is also a well-known tooth staining offender. You may find yourself drinking more of this highly caffeinated beverage during the holidays while getting up early to cook the turkey or staying up late to chat with relatives. If you can, try to limit your coffee intake to 1-2 cups per day and be sure to brush your teeth afterwards!
While it’s not always practical, some people also drink their beverages through a straw to avoid staining their teeth. This allows the liquid to bypass your front teeth and keep stains at bay.
Sauces and Dressings
Balsamic vinegar is a popular dressing that is served with salad, and sometimes bread. Although it’s very tasty, it’s also very acidic, which means it can break down the enamel. Underneath the enamel lies the layer that has a natural, yellow tint, also known as the dentin. Try to go light on the dressing whenever possible.
While it’s a Thanksgiving favorite, cranberry sauce can wreak havoc on your bright smile. This rich, dark red color will not only stain your clothing, but also your teeth! As with any type of fruit, berries are acidic and wear away at the enamel. If you can’t stay away from the cranberry sauce this year, then try to consume it in moderation.
Luckily, there are treatments available to help reduce stains and yellowing of teeth, so you can still indulge in your favorite holiday foods. Professional teeth whitening in Worthington can transform your dingy teeth back into pearly whites in just one treatment! Contact your dentist to see what options are available to you.
About the Practice
Dr. Randall Nameth has been practicing dental care since 1984. He focuses on educating patients about good oral hygiene and the prevention of dental and oral health problems. One of his most popular treatments is teeth whitening. Take-home teeth bleaching kits come with professional-grade bleaching gel and a custom-fit application tray.
If you’d like to whiten your smile after the holidays, schedule an appointment through our website, or call the office at (614)846-2222.