Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Already, you might be planning what you’re going to make, touching base with loved ones, and stocking your pantry with essentials. Now is also the time to familiarize yourself on the “best” and “worst” Thanksgiving foods. After all, you don’t want to have discolored teeth heading into 2023. With this in mind, keep reading to learn three stain-causing foods to steer clear of.
3 Thanksgiving Foods That Can Stain Your Teeth
Good news: from mashed potatoes to white meat, many Thanksgiving foods won’t discolor your teeth. However, there are a few that can, which is why it’s best to enjoy them in moderation or steer clear of them entirely. Three examples include:
- Cranberry sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Blueberry pie
Remember, Be Cautious About What You Drink Too!
From a red wine alongside your meal to a warm cup of coffee after dessert, drinks can stain your teeth too. That’s why it’s important to be mindful about what beverage you select! Naturally, plain water is the best choice since it’s clear, it helps you stay hydrated, and it rinses away food particles from your teeth.
Essential Oral Hygiene Tips for a Stain-Free Smile This Holiday Season
While being mindful of what you fill your plate (and cup!) with is certainly important, it’s only the first step. To keep your teeth stain-free, you’ll need to implement a solid oral hygiene routine too. Brushing after each meal, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash consistently are great places to start. You should also quit unhealthy dental habits, such as smoking, that can quickly discolor your teeth. Lastly, make sure to visit your dentist for a dental cleaning. The tools they use can get rid of stubborn surface stains while also removing plaque and tartar!
What to Do If You Do Stain Your Teeth
If your teeth do get stained throughout the holiday season, don’t worry – it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. In this case, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss teeth whitening. After examining your teeth, ensuring there aren’t any signs of decay, and learning more about the cause of the discoloration, they can determine if this is the best cosmetic dental service for you.
Thanksgiving is all about food, food, and more food. The good news is that you can fill your plate with delicious sides and keep your teeth stain-free. Just exercise caution with dark-colored foods and drinks!
About the Practice
Our top-rated team at Pinnacle Dental is united behind a mission to help patients in and around Braintree achieve smiles that are as healthy as they are beautiful. In addition to offering essential preventive care, we have a multitude of cosmetic dental services, including teeth whitening treatments. That way, you can blast away stubborn stains and reveal bright, white teeth reliably and safely! If you want to learn more about how to prevent discoloration or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (781) 412-1412.