As you gather with friends and loved ones to give thanks for all the blessings throughout the year, Thanksgiving can come back to haunt your smile. You’ll be surrounded by seasonal foods and drinks that will tempt your taste buds, but some may also stain your teeth. No amount of brushing can reverse tooth discoloration. Here’s what you need to know to safeguard your pearly whites without missing out on your favorite Thanksgiving foods and beverages.
Stain-Causing Thanksgiving Foods
Thanksgiving can be bad news for your waistline, but a few extra pounds isn’t the only concern. Certain foods and drinks can stain your enamel. Dark pigments can seep under your enamel through tiny pores, causing your teeth to darken. Your dentist will recommend avoiding:
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee can give you a burst of energy to start your day, but you may run out of steam in the afternoon. If you drink several cups of coffee to get through the day, your teeth can turn yellow or brown over time. It’s best to limit yourself to 1 cup daily. Drink it all at once through a straw to limit its contact with your teeth.
- Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce is a perfect addition to a piece of turkey on Thanksgiving, but it can stain your enamel. Whether eating cranberries fresh, as a sauce, or in a pie, rinse your mouth with water after you finish your meal.
- Red Wine: Spilling red wine on a white shirt or a rug can be an impossible stain to remove. Your teeth aren’t exempt from its stain-causing residue. Its dark color can leave traces behind on your teeth, but that’s not the only concern. Alcohol causes dehydration, which can lead to a dry mouth. This can cause oral bacteria to thrive, increasing your risk of preventable dental problems. Wine often contains sugar, which feeds cavity-causing bacteria. It’s better to choose water instead of wine. It will keep your mouth clean and moist while preventing dehydration.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is light in calories but loaded with flavor. However, it’s acidic, which can erode your enamel. Thin enamel will make more of your yellowish dentin visible, causing your teeth to look discolored and aged.
Besides watching what you eat, don’t forget to brush your teeth at least twice daily for 2 minutes. Brush after every meal if you’re snacking more often. Floss your teeth at least once a day to keep your gums healthy.
You can keep your smile its brightest by giving your mouth a little extra attention during the holidays.
About Dr. Arthur Volker
Dr. Volker earned his dental degree from Columbia University’s School of Dental and Oral Surgery and has completed additional training at the New York Hospital of Queens. He regularly pursues advanced education in many specialties, including cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. Request an appointment through his website or call (718) 557-9012.