At holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, lots of families put dishes of cranberry sauce on the table. Some intrepid folks even like to make other specialty dishes and desserts out of cranberries and other types of berries. Although berries are loaded with healthy benefits, they can have an undesired side effect: teeth staining. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your teeth whiter in Northridge, CA without having to forgo your favorite turkey condiment or homemade pies.
Tips for a Whiter Smile—No Matter What You Eat
Of course, cranberries and cranberry sauce are hardly the only teeth-staining culprits in the pantry or refrigerator. Many other items including black tea, coffee, soda, tomato sauces, and wine can darken or discolor tooth enamel.
Instead of deciding not to eat or drink what you want, why not try these safe stain-fighting ways to a brighter smile?
- Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened
Maybe your teeth are already yellowed from years of natural wear and tear. No problem. Your dentist in Northridge, CA may be able to perform tooth whitening in-office, or provide you with a professional whitening product to use at home. This will leave you with whiter teeth. From that point, you can undergo some other techniques to keep your teeth sparkling.
- Always Brush and Floss After Eating or Drinking Tooth-Staining Foods
You already have an inkling which foods and drinks will stain your teeth. So why not stop staining before it starts? Carry your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss around with you. After meals or coffee breaks, go to the bathroom and scrub away any lingering residue. If dyes cannot hang out on your teeth, they cannot cause stains.
- Drink Lots of Water When You Eat Berries and Other Staining Foods
A good way to wash away the natural dyes in berries and other foods is by drinking water. After every bite of blueberry pie, wash away anything left in your mouth with water. As a side benefit, adding more water to your diet will cause you to eat less, which is especially important when it comes to tempering how many sweets you enjoy.
- Use Whitening Toothpastes
As a final way to combat tooth staining, switch to a whitening toothpaste. You may want to test a few brands to see which one works for your needs. Talk with your dentist in Northridge, CA if you need a recommendation. You can even switch between a whitening toothpaste and one that builds enamel for a double impact.
Never let a cranberry sauce smile ruin your holiday photos! Keep your teeth looking white and brilliant year-round, no matter what the menu looks like.
Need Your Teeth Whitened?
Are you looking for a way to professionally whiten your stained teeth? Schedule a consultation with your local cosmetic dentist today. We invite you to meet our experienced and friendly doctors, Dr. Dan Shaer, Dr. Shawn Nguyen and Dr. Alice Reina Fukui and our office in Northridge, CA!