22 Dec How to Keep Your Teeth White This Holiday Season
Do you want to start 2024 out with a bright smile? Many people let their dental hygiene habits slip during the holiday season, which can lead to stained teeth if it happens too often. And with all the holiday goodies to snack on, red wine at dinner, and extra coffee in the middle of the day, there are a lot more chances for stains to take hold. Here’s how to prevent stained teeth so you can show off your pearly whites in every festive photo.
Five Tips to Prevent Stained Teeth
1: Drink Extra Water
If you’re drinking red wine at dinner, keep a glass of water at hand. Alternating sips of wine with sips of water will help prevent stains from the pigments and tannins in the wine. And if you need an energy drink or an extra coffee to keep you going, drink some water afterward. The water will help to neutralize the acids that weaken your enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to stains. Drinking a glass of water and then brushing your teeth 30 minutes later will help prevent beverages like coffee and wine from staining your teeth.
2: Always Pack a Toothbrush
Assemble a travel kit for tooth care on-the-go. The holiday season can get hectic, and it’s easy to forget to brush your teeth when you’re busy. But as long as you have a travel tooth care kit in your car or your bag, you’ll be prepared. If you’re out late and need to crash at a friend’s place, you’ll be able to brush your teeth before you go to sleep. Your travel kit could also come in handy if you get something stuck in your teeth at a holiday party, or if you want to freshen your breath in a pinch.
3: Avoid Things That Stain
If you can, avoid staining beverages like black tea, coffee, energy drinks, and red wine. Certain foods like dark berries, balsamic vinegar, and tomato sauce can stain your teeth, too. And definitely don’t smoke or vape—the nicotine and additives in cigarettes and vape juice will quickly turn your teeth yellow. For a caffeine boost, try drinking some green tea instead, and if you’re tempted to smoke, try chewing some sugar-free gum instead.
4: Schedule a Dental Cleaning
Seeing a dental hygienist for a clean and polish doesn’t take much time, and it will make your smile brighter for all those holiday photos. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup, making your teeth look whiter. If you haven’t used all of your dental insurance by the end of the year, scheduling an extra cleaning is a great way to maximize your benefits. Or, schedule a cleaning for January and start the year out with a brighter smile.
5: Get an At-Home Whitening Kit
Did you know that you can get professional-grade teeth whitening kits from your dentist to use at home? Using over-the-counter products can be risky, and they also take a long time to work. If you want to see real results, ask us about our professional whitening treatments. We’ll fit you with a set of custom trays and teach you how to apply a whitening gel that’s far more effective than anything you can buy at the drugstore.
Start the New Year Out with a Brighter Smile
If you’re hiding your teeth because you’re unhappy with the way they look, the team at Prescott Dentistry can help. Whether you need Invisalign or whitening, implants or veneers, our cosmetic dental treatments can help you smile confidently again. Give us a call at 928-445-1660 to schedule an appointment today.
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/18/2023.