It’s Thanksgiving, which means many people are indulging in the festivities and foods of the season. Whether you’re excited to host the big meal or simply visit with friends over drinks, it’s important to remember to care for your teeth. Keeping them clean is the best way to ensure you can flash a beautiful smile for the group photos that are sure to come.
To keep your pearly whites sparkling you may need to avoid certain foods and beverages, like red wine, that can stain them. It contains tannins which are known to leave your grin looking drab. If you aren’t able or willing to skip it entirely, there are still some steps you can take to prevent discoloration. Keep reading to learn more!
Step #1: Brush Beforehand
If you’ve just had a glass of red wine, you may be tempted to excuse yourself to brush your teeth afterward. You wouldn’t want them to take on a reddish tinge if you’re enjoying conversations with loved ones, after all. Unfortunately, brushing once you’ve consumed wine doesn’t help much and may even make matters worse by further etching your teeth.
Instead, try brushing your teeth 30 minutes prior to pouring a glass. That way, you’re removing any plaque buildup and food residue in advance so that the drink has nothing to cling to in your mouth. It also protects your teeth from the acid in the wine to prevent cavities.
Step #2: Rinse After
To ensure no particles are left behind once you’ve imbibed, rinse your mouth with water. Both your oral health and overall well-being will benefit from the hydration. Alcohol is a diuretic and can leave you with dry mouth, which attracts bacteria that cause tooth decay. Keeping your mouth moist ensures that any unwanted ingredients and dangerous germs are flushed away.
Step #3: Use Whitening Products
If you’re worried that your habits will darken your grin this holiday season, you might want to switch to a toothpaste that actively whitens your teeth. There are many commercially available solutions that can remove surface stains while reinforcing the enamel with fluoride. You’ll be protecting your teeth from future problems while you lighten them.
Bear in mind that using whitening products on damaged teeth can result in an incredible amount of discomfort. You may want to schedule a checkup with your dentist first or ask if they provide professional whitening services.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your smile looking its very best this holiday season!
About the Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, our skilled dentists offer a full range of services to patients of all ages. We believe that oral issues impact your overall well-being and so our treatments focus on taking a proactive approach to prevent problems. We help you improve your smile so that you can enjoy a more positive lifestyle, including teeth whitening services. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (614) 475-1874.