Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Whether you are looking forward to catching up with gamily, having a couple of days off work, watching football, eating delicious food, or all of the above, we can all agree that it’s one of the best times of the year. However, you don’t want to start out the holiday season with discolored teeth. Here are some dishes that can cause discoloration so you can plan your meal accordingly.
Cranberry Sauce
For many, Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without this dish! However, the dark red color that it contains can be left behind on the teeth. The acidity of the fruit can also wear away a t your enamel, leaving you at risk of decay. Go easy on this dish if you can. It is best to stick to a small portion and rinse your mouth with water after your meal to limit the harmful effects.
Wine
If you like to enjoy a glass of red or white wine with your Thanksgiving dinner, you aren’t alone. It may compliment your meal nicely, but wine is a popular tooth-staining culprit. Be careful with how much you drink and be sure to brush your teeth after your meal. Better adult benefits for your smile would be a light beer or gin and tonic.
Balsamic Vinegar
Do you begin your Thanksgiving dinner with a salad? Leafy greens are delicious and great for your health! However, you should be mindful of the dressing that you are enjoying with your meal. Balsamic vinegar is a popular option because it is low in calories and has a delicious, strong flavor. However, this dressing is dark and acidic, so if you overindulge, you could stain your teeth. Be careful of the amount that you are using and rinse your mouth afterward.
Pie
Pumpkin pie won’t do too much harm to your smile, but if your family enjoys berry pies, you could end up with some staining. If you are going to enjoy a slice, make sure that you are thorough about brushing your smile afterward to wash away all of the acid and sugar.
Coffee
You might not be drinking coffee with your Thanksgiving dinner, but it is a popular option before and after the feast. Too much coffee can stain teeth. It is also slightly acidic, so it can weaken your teeth’ protective enamel. Using a straw can help to limit contact with the teeth.
You should enjoy Thanksgiving but be mindful of your smile! By being careful of the foods listed above and maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine, you will have nothing to worry about.
About the Author
After acquiring his Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree in India, Dr. Bikram Singh moved to the United States and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the North Carolina Dental Society. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (919) 460-5454.