How to Keep Your Teeth Pearly White During the Holidays
Some of us may be staying home and some of us may be traveling for the holidays. If you travel for the holidays, you know that with gathering comes food. Lots of food. There’s also delicious red wine, post-dinner coffee, dark whiskey, and so much more. Unfortunately, some of these foods and drinks can lead to stained teeth and could affect that beautiful smile you’ve worked so hard for.
Food to Avoid
There are some common foods frequently in large-scale cooking that you probably aren’t thinking about. If you have a large (and probably very loud) Italian family, you know that tomatoes are the backbone of many recipes, especially those that are made for large gatherings like the holidays. Tomatoes are highly acidic and often present a deep red color which could lend to some less than desirable long-lasting color on your teeth.
Other foods to avoid are:
- Dark berries like blackberries and cranberries
- Beetroot or beets themselves
- Balsamic vinegar
Drinks to Avoid
When most of us think about the holidays, we think about cocktails, wine, tea, and a variety of other warm, dark drinks. There’s nothing quite like that warm cup of coffee by the fireplace with family members that you haven’t seen in far too long. Right now, most of us are looking towards that sense of community more than ever. While that quality time together is important, you might want to consider skipping that cup of coffee in order to protect the appearance of your teeth.
Other drinks to avoid are:
- Dark fruit juices like cranberry juice or blueberry juice
- Red wine
- Coca cola or other dark sodas
What to do if You Eat/Drink These Foods
If you absolutely have to indulge in these holiday treats, we get it. The holidays are for celebration and calories don’t count on Thanksgiving, right? While these quick tips might not prevent a stain entirely, they will help take the worry out of consuming these yummy treats.
- Use a straw when possible to keep the liquid away from your teeth
- Swallow swiftly and don’t let the food or liquid linger in your mouth longer than it needs to
- Rinse with water for 30 seconds after you’ve finished your food or drink
If you find your sparkling smile doesn’t sparkle the same after the holidays, that’s okay, that’s what we’re here for. Let us bring life back to your smile and have you looking your best self for the new year! Call Dr. Pollock of Rockwall Oral Surgery today at (469) 264-8921 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
