Savor the Feast, Skip the Stains: Thanksgiving Foods to Watch Out For

As you get ready for Thanksgiving, you may be getting your shopping done. After all, you want to avoid the last-minute rush of needing some things! Your list probably includes the ingredients you need to make the turkey, ham, casserole, stuffing, or dessert, to name a few. However, some of these foods can cause stains if you indulge in them too often. Here are several options you may have on your table and how you can keep your smile pristine for holiday photos!

What Thanksgiving Foods Can Cause Tooth Stains?

Although your teeth may feel completely solid and smooth, your enamel is porous. Dark particles from certain foods can find their way into these teeny areas, causing discoloration. Some options increase your risk more than others, such as:

• Cranberry Sauce: This sweet side is double the trouble with its sugar content and acidity. The latter can weaken the top layer of your teeth, increasing your risk of decay and stains! Since it’s also dark, you may end up with this dental flaw over time.
• Wine: Similar to the option above, with eroding your enamel a bit, but it also contains tannins. These are discoloration agents, so you may want to set a limit to a glass or two.
• Pies: Whether it’s blueberry, cherry, or even raspberry, these have a dark color to them. Not to mention the sugar, but you are more likely to end up with stains if you overindulge. Pumpkin pie may be your best bet since it has nutrients that support your gum health.

How Can I Avoid Tooth Stains This Holiday?

Despite there being several foods you should watch out for during your Thanksgiving dinner, there are things you can do to prevent dental discoloration. You should keep in mind these simple tips:

• Drink plenty of water. This will help wash away food debris, but also dark particles.
• Brush and floss 30 minutes after you’re done eating. After having anything acidic, your enamel is a bit weaker, so doing your oral hygiene routine right away can be harmful. Waiting just a bit can help give it some time to recover, then it’ll be safer to scrub clean.

If you do notice that you have some stains, then you can visit your dentist to get rid of them. Through a professional whitening treatment, you’ll be given custom trays. You’ll apply a high-quality bleaching gel to them that targets any dark particles on and within your enamel. After just about two weeks, you’ll have results that are up to eight shades brighter!

In the end, following the easy tips above and going to your dentist can help get your smile camera-ready. That way, you feel confident heading into the new year with a grin you are proud of.

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Care of Springfield, you benefit from the compassionate leadership of Dr. Victoria Driskill and Dr. John Neely. We are proud to offer a wide range of treatments, such as preventive and cosmetic ones. By coming to our team for professional whitening, we can help get your teeth looking aesthetic for your holiday photos and beyond. If you are interested in this service, schedule an appointment or call our office at (217) 546-3333.