It’s no surprise that your oral health can suffer during the holidays. Between sugary sweets and acidic treats, your teeth go through the ringer every year. If you’re trying to preserve some semblance of white teeth this year, you may want to avoid some things if you can.
Continue reading to find out the biggest staining offenders at your Thanksgiving table.
1. Coffee
You’re working hard to set everything up, so a little caffeine boost can be just what the doctor ordered. However, your dentist may not be as pleased. Coffee is a two-fold menace to your oral health. Firstly, when brewed, it releases acidic compounds that can weaken your tooth enamel. Secondly, coffee has a dark pigment that can quickly turn your teeth yellow with repeated sips.
2. Wine
A good wine can really liven up your feast and produce a subtle calming effect. However, like coffee, wine is acidic and full of tannins—bitter chemicals that give dark beverages taste and color. Additionally, alcohol is known to dry out your mouth.
Saliva is necessary to help you continuously fight bacteria and cavities. If you’re going to drink wine, be sure to pair it with water to minimize the effects.
3. Cranberries
This one is a bit misleading, not because cranberries don’t stain your teeth, but because all berries do! Blackberries, blueberries, and cranberries are especially staining because they’re full of deep pigments and natural acid. The thinner your tooth enamel, the easier it is to stain. This means that berries first weaken your teeth and then dye them with juice. Rude!
4. Balsamic Vinegar
If you’re a salad lover, don’t think you’re safe! One of the most popular toppings is balsamic vinegar, a dark, acidic, and slightly tart dressing. If you’ve been following closely up to this point, you might be noticing a pattern. Acidic foods open the pores of your teeth, and dark pigments can easily get trapped in them, leading to staining.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a delicious food often paired with honey, pecans, and marshmallows. It’s become a staple Thanksgiving food for many households. While delicious, the bright orange color of this starchy side can stain your teeth. In fact, it’s been reported that eating this and other foods high in beta-caratine can turn your skin orange too!
As always, some of the effects of these staining foods can be counteracted by good oral care. Be sure to brush for two minutes twice a day, even during Thanksgiving. Flossing daily is also important, even more so during increased eating periods like the holidays. For additional guidance, be sure to talk to your dentist. They may have tips for keeping your smile bright!
About the Practice
At LIC Dental Associates, a great team of dental professionals is waiting to aid you in all your dental care. Their state-of-the-art facility is full of the latest dental technology to make your treatment easy and painless. Whatever treatment you may need, you can have it done in one place. Come let the friendly staff show you what a great dental experience is like. To schedule an appointment, call (718) 530-6539 or visit the website to discover more services.