Thanksgiving is nearly here, so you’re likely deciding what the day’s meals will include. It can take time to get some Turkey Day dishes prepared and ready! Still, please don’t forget – there are some Thanksgiving foods that can stain teeth. For your Thursday feasting to go well, you should know them beforehand and take the right precautions. So, read on to learn which Thanksgiving foods can stain teeth and how to respond to staining.
Which Thanksgiving Foods Stain Teeth?
As tasty as Thanksgiving foods are, many can stain your tooth enamel. That means you’ll want to be careful of what you eat on Turkey Day. In particular, limit your intake of the following items:
Cranberry Sauce
Some families swear by cranberry sauce, but you may want to go easy on this fruity side dish. The truth is that the sauce can greatly darken your teeth. Since this product is darkly colored and loaded with sugars and acids, it can discolor and erode your tooth enamel. The result would be a purplish smile that’s hard to remove and unsettling in family photos.
Wine
Wine is another big player in Thanksgiving meals, with red varieties a tradition in many families. However, this drink can take a severe toll on your teeth. A robust red wine could discolor your smile, and its acids could put you at a higher risk of tooth decay. These realities should give you pause before you go for another glass or two.
Coffee
While coffee isn’t just for Thanksgiving, many people have lots of it during Turkey Day festivities. The downside to this increased intake is a higher risk of stained teeth. Brews like coffee have loads of tannins, compounds that can seep into enamel and leave stains.
Pie
While pie is practically a Thanksgiving staple, you may want to have less of it this year. Blueberry and cherry kinds can easily stain teeth due to strong colors, acids, and sugars. If you end up having a lot of slices, your teeth could look purple or red much longer than you’d like.
What Can You Do About Staining?
If your Thanksgiving will feature foods that stain teeth, you should consider the following:
- Brush After Meals – After you’ve finished a Thanksgiving meal, brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. This habit stops tooth stains from “setting in.”
- Drink Water – As part of your Thanksgiving eating, drink plenty of water. Doing so will rinse the stain agents out of your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth stains.
- Get Post-Thanksgiving Treatment – See your dentist for a post-Thanksgiving cosmetic treatment if possible. With good teeth whitening, your smile will look stain-free!
Consult your dental provider to learn more about Thanksgiving foods that can stain teeth.
About the Practice
Associates in Dental Health is based in Haverhill, MA. Led by Drs. Koleini and Arakelian, our practice takes pride in giving every patient a stellar smile. We always tailor our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments to your mouth and its unique oral needs. Whether your teeth need cleaning, repairing, or whitening, our team is here to help out! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (978)-650-2793.