With Thanksgiving just a couple of weeks away, you may be ready for a delicious meal. You’ll be able to indulge in some of your seasonal favorites and see your loved ones. Whether it’s with friends and family, they’ll likely want to take pictures to capture the moment. However, some foods you’ll have can lead to stains, making your smile a little less-than-perfect. Here are the ones to be aware of and what you can do about this flaw.
Which Thanksgiving Foods Can Stain My Teeth?
When you run your tongue across your teeth, you might feel how smooth and solid they are. This can be just a bit misleading, as your enamel is actually porous. It’s completely natural, but dark particles from foods can find their way into these tiny spaces. These are some holiday favorites that can cause stains:
- Cranberry sauce is a sweet side, but it’s full of sugar and acid. The latter can weaken the top layer of your teeth, increasing your risk for cavities while possibly worsening any discoloration.
- Wine may go great with the main course, but it’s also acidic. It’s full of tannins, which are a staining agent, so consider limiting how much you have!
- Pies can be the perfect dessert to wrap up the day, but they often have a strong, dark color to them. Blueberry, cherry, and raspberry are some that can spell trouble for your bright grin.
What Can I Do About Stained Teeth?
While you may be worried about any discoloration, you can take steps to prevent it! As you are enjoying your dinner, be sure to drink plenty of water. This hydrating beverage will be able to wash away any dark particles and reduce your odds of stains. You can also brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating. It’s an easy habit that can remove any food debris and keep your smile strong for the long run.
If you do notice this flaw developing more than you would like, then consider visiting your dentist! They can give you a professional whitening treatment to get you back to the bright grin you love. Whether you do it with a quick in-office service or a convenient take-home kit, you can get results that are up to eight shades brighter! That way, you are ready to show off your smile for any other holidays coming up and the new year that’s about to begin.
About the Practice
At Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group, you benefit from a team of skilled specialists who look after you and your oral health. We are here to help the community get the confident smiles they love, whether it’s with teeth whitening or another treatment. By talking to you about your goals, we can get you to them and work to make your results last from Thanksgiving to well after! If you are interested in getting rid of any dental discoloration, schedule an appointment or call our office at (617) 523-5451.