Which Foods Are Staining Your Smile?

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What kinds of food and drinks do you regularly enjoy? Are they staining your smile? There are certain foods which stain tooth enamel more than others, including the following:

  • coffee
  • tea
  • soda
  • wine
  • cranberry juice
  • tomato sauce
  • soy sauce
  • blueberries
  • beets

If your favorite foods are on this list, don’t worry. Dr. Daniel Merrill and our team in West Chester, Ohio are pleased to offer teeth whitening for our patients needing a smile boost. And keeping your smile bright while still enjoying your favorite foods is possible if you take some protective measures.

An easy and effective defense is to rinse your mouth and clean your teeth after eating or drinking foods that stain. This removes oral debris that might linger on teeth. Brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash are all ways to prevent plaque buildup, which is important because stains like to stick to plaque because of its sticky nature.

If you are drinking your favorite coffee and tea throughout the day? If so, drinking through a straw will limit the liquid’s contact with your teeth. You can safely drink through a straw to enjoy your favorite teas or coffees, juices, and sodas without suffering unsightly side effects.

And finally, if you are serious about keeping your teeth their brightest, be sure to keep all scheduled six-month checkups and cleanings. We will remove hardened plaque while helping you prevent tooth decay and gum disease. During your visit, Dr. Daniel Merrill can also determine if you need additional whitening to maintain your smile.

Our Merrill Dental team in West Chester, Ohio is ready to help you with all of your smile care needs. If you have any questions for us or want to schedule a visit, please give us a call at 513-779-7711 today. Combined with your daily healthy smile habits, we can help keep your smile healthy and bright!