Don’t let the holidays result in tooth stains!

There’s nothing better than the buffet table at a holiday party. There are so many decadent foods and drinks to enjoy, but unfortunately, indulging in many of them can lead to stains on your teeth. You certainly don’t have to deny yourself of these goodies altogether, but you should be careful to sip staining drinks through a straw and rinse your mouth with water after eating staining foods, but first, you need to learn which foods and drinks to watch out for. Here are the top tooth-staining foods and drinks likely to appear at a holiday party:

#1. Wine

Whether it be red or white, wine is something to you’ll always want to sip through a straw to avoid stains. The tannins in red wine can stain the teeth in a grayish shade, but don’t be fooled into thinking white wine is a better choice. White wine itself won’t stain your teeth, but it’s highly acidic, and it can create pockets in the surface of your teeth, making them more susceptible to staining.

#2. Blueberries and Blackberries

While it’s true that choosing fruit instead of a sugar-packed desert is better for your waist line, it may not be all that much better for your teeth, at least not where stains are concerned. Blueberries and blackberries are full of antioxidants, but they are also richly pigmented, so be sure to rinse your mouth out with water after you enjoy them.

#3. Soda

Soda is chock-full of sugar, and all of that sugar gives the bacteria in your mouth lots to feed on and multiply, leading to plaque. Like white wine, soda is also highly acidic, so even if you drink a sugar-free soda, it can still damage your teeth, because it leaves your teeth more susceptible to staining from other drinks and foods.

#4. Milk or White Chocolate

The holidays are a time to indulge, but if you decide to indulge on chocolate, you’re better off picking dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which actually helps to strengthen your enamel, whereas white and milk chocolate can damage your teeth. Milk and white chocolate varieties tend to contain a lot more sugar than dark chocolate as well, and it can easily stick to your teeth.

#5. Alcohol

Alcohol is a regular part of the holidays, but for the sake of your teeth, sip through a straw, be conscious about what you are mixing it with and make sure that you rinse often with water. Not only does alcohol typically contain a lot of sugar, alcohol also contains acids that can compromise your enamel and leave your teeth susceptible to stains.

When it comes to food and drinks, there’s no better time to the year than the holidays, but don’t let the holidays leave you with stains on your teeth! Do your part to prevent stains, and if you would like some help achieving the beautiful, white smile of your dreams, contact us! We offer zoom whitening in Texarkana, and whether you want to whiten your smile before or after the holidays, we are happy to help!