5 Stain-Causing Thanksgiving Foods

You’ll have plenty of reasons to smile during the holidays as you gather with friends and loved ones. Don’t let tooth discoloration hold you back from feeling your best. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the foods and drinks you choose can stain your enamel. You don’t have to skip your seasonal favorites. Here are 4 Thanksgiving foods to watch out for and what you can do to protect your pearly whites. 

What Causes Stains?

Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body that protects the softer inner layers of your teeth. Enamel changes color naturally over the years from age, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors, like smoking. However, the foods and drinks you consume can stain your enamel because it’s porous. Dark pigments can seep under it, causing your teeth to turn brown or yellow. 

5 Stain-Causing Thanksgiving Foods

You’ll be surrounded by many tasty foods and drinks that tempt your taste buds, but your dentist recommends avoiding or limiting your consumption of popular Thanksgiving favorites, including:

1. Coffee: Life gets pretty busy during the holidays, which means you might need more coffee to get through the day. Although it can give you the boost of energy you need, too much can stain your teeth. If you can resist a cup of coffee, drink it all at once instead of sipping it to decrease how long your teeth are exposed to it. You can even drink it through a straw, but don’t forget to brush your teeth afterward.
2. Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce can be found on Thanksgiving tables across the country, but its dark color can stain your teeth. Most dental professionals recommend avoiding it completely, but if you can’t resist it, rinse your mouth with water if you can’t get to your toothbrush.
3. Red Wine: If you’ve ever spilled red wine on a shirt or carpet, you know how quickly it can stain. Your teeth aren’t an exception. Not only can it stain your enamel, but alcohol also causes dry mouth, which creates the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria. It’s best to watch how much you drink and have plenty of water to keep your mouth moist.
4. Balsamic Vinegar: Balsamic vinegar is a popular salad dressing because it’s light in calories, but has a lot of flavor. Unfortunately, it can cause tooth discoloration and it’s acidic, which can erode your enamel. It’s best to skip the dressing.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to leave a lasting mark on your smile. Watch what you eat and practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth bright and beautiful, so you can spend more time focusing on making memories with your friends and family.

About Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew

Dr. Pettigrew earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center and has earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. He has completed advanced education in many specialties, including dental implants. Dr. Pettigrew provides the latest treatments and techniques to help each patient achieve their best smile. Contact our office today to request an appointment.