Tooth Troubles: 3 Thanksgiving Foods That Stain

Thanksgiving is here, which for many people means a fancy feast with family or friends. Though you may be looking forward to sinking your teeth into some of your favorite dishes, it’s important to remember to care for them, too. Some popular foods this time of year are infamous for staining them which can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance. No one wants to have to follow up their annual event with a trip to the dentist for whitening services, after all. Instead, keep reading to learn about 3 foods to avoid in order to keep your sparkling smile.

Food #1: Wine

Many people believe that red wine can leave their teeth with a darker hue, which is true. It would be easy to assume, therefore, that white wine is a safer choice. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case because it also causes discoloration. If you still plan to indulge, drink in moderation. Limiting your consumption reduces how much and how long you are exposed to ingredients that impact your grin. You can also follow it up with a glass of water to flush your mouth and rehydrate your system.

Food #2: Cranberries

It’s common to see cranberry sauce on the dinner table this time of year, but if you want to keep your teeth white, you may want to skip it. Not only is it notorious for staining, but in its natural form, the berry seeds can get caught between your pearly whites. This contributes to plaque build-up and attracts harmful bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.

If you’re worried that you won’t have anything to enjoy along with your turkey, fill your plate with green salads or colorful vegetables instead. These contain ingredients like vitamin C and calcium that your body needs to keep your mouth in good health.

Food #3: Coffee

Often after a meal or dessert, coffee is passed around to counteract the sleepiness that can set in with a full tummy. Unfortunately, like other dark beverages, it contains tannins which leave your teeth looking drab. Furthermore, if you mix in milk and sugar, you’ll attract dangerous germs. To add insult to injury,  coffee is incredibly acidic which means it wears down your protective enamel. You’ll be much more susceptible to developing cavities in addition to losing your shine.  

Now that you know which foods to avoid, you can keep your bright, happy smile all season long!

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has more than 2 decades of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. She completed her undergraduate degree at Boston College and her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University. She believes in taking a whole-body approach to dental care and provides a wide range of services to proactively improve your teeth. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (432) 570-4433.