Thanksgiving is the time of year when your closeness to family is seconded only by the fullness of your stomach. It’s a special time to celebrate togetherness and indulge in your favorite vibrant holiday dishes and rich beverages. Consequently, it’s also the time of year when many people consider teeth whitening treatments.
If you want to see the top five worst Thanksgiving foods and beverages for your pearly whites, continue reading.
1. Sweet Potatoes
Starchy, sweet, and vibrant. Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, whether topped with marshmallows or stuffed with asiago cheese and spinach. It’s delicious and high in minerals, but this comes at the cost of sticky orange tooth stains.
Sweet potatoes are so pigmented that it’s believed that they can even turn your skin orange if you eat enough!
2. Coffee
There are few things as invigorating as a warm cup of coffee on Thanksgiving morning. However, this comfy beverage is highly acidic and full of tannins once brewed.
Tannins are dark, bitter chemicals that give some drinks their color and flavor. Tannins are also responsible for yellowing teeth.
3. Wine
Wine has many of the same elements working against it as coffee does. It’s another drink flavored by the rich tannins the processing produces. It is also acidic, meaning that it will slowly wear away at your tooth enamel as you drink.
As your enamel wears down, it becomes more vulnerable to staining. Try switching to white wines if you’re set on indulging.
4. Cranberry Sauce
For some families, Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without the cranberry sauce. It’s a tart, tangy, and sweet treat that pairs well with savory dishes. However, if you’re going to enjoy it, try making it from scratch or simply enjoying the fresh berries on their own.
Most cranberry sauces are highly processed and contain vast amounts of sugar. Cranberries also happen to be one of the most acidic berries out there. This can lead to some pretty serious staining potential, especially with its dark red coloration.
5. Fruit Pies
Everyone loves pie! And while pumpkin pie is relatively good for your teeth, pies made with dark berries and fruits will stain fiercely.
As a general rule, the darker a berry, the more potential it has to discolor your teeth. Blueberries, blackberries, and cherries are some of the biggest staining culprits.
If you’re planning to indulge in these foods and beverages this year, you might consider a trip to your dentist. Once the festivities are over, you may find yourself with some unsightly discoloration. A teeth whitening treatment or professional take-home kit could be just what you need to restore your smile to pre-turkey day specifications.
About the Practice
At Summerlin Center for Aesthetic Dentistry, Dr. Pamela West and Dr. Stephanie Gorczyca are your professional dental experts. Both have years of experience and share a passion for helping people. Their practice uses state-of-the-art dental technology to deliver dental care that’s fast, comfortable, and affordable. If you’re looking for quality dental care, look no further. To schedule a teeth whitening consultation, call (702) 844-6224 or visit the website to explore other services.