With the holidays here, you might find yourself enjoying plenty of special treats and goodies. At Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we encourage our patients to enjoy the decadence that the holiday season has to offer, but to do so with a bit of caution.
Why?
Because many of your holiday favorites could end up staining your teeth—not exactly the kind of gift you want to get.
The Top 10 Foods and Drinks That Will Stain Your Teeth
Teeth become stained when pigments from certain foods and drinks build-up in the thin film of protein covering tooth enamel. Some foods also contain a compound called tannin which increases the risk of teeth staining. In addition, highly acidic foods can wear down tooth enamel, further increasing your chances of discolored teeth.
With this in mind, here are the ten most notorious foods and beverages that can lead to stains:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Tea
- Pop
- Fruit juices
- Tomato-based sauces
- Soy sauce
- Curry
- Balsamic vinegar
- Starchy foods, including pasta
You might be more likely to experience teeth discoloration if you have certain risk factors, including underlying dental disease, older age, a history of oral trauma, the use of certain medications, or even a genetic predisposition.
Fortunately, there are things you can do.
3 Quick Tips for Bright, Healthy-Looking Teeth From Our Woodbury Dentist Staff
- Avoid stain-causing foods and beverages—meanwhile, eat plenty of nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to support optimal oral health.
- If you do consume any of the stain-inducing foods, be sure to brush your teeth immediately after consuming them.
- Treat yourself to professional teeth whitening services. While some over-the-counter options can work, they often cause unpleasant side effects like tooth sensitivity, and their results may not be as pronounced as you’d hope. Professional teeth whitening with our Woodbury dentist staff is effective and effecient so you can feel confident in your smile.
Do you live near Woodbury, MN and are looking for a family dentist who can help you and your loved ones have white healthy teeth throughout the year? Contact Woodlane Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today at (651) 731-1560 to schedule your next appointment with our Woodbury dentist team, Dr. Erlandson and Dr. Roehrich.
