Many of us spend a fair amount of time analyzing the oral hygiene products we’re using, and trying to choose formulations that will help our smiles shine. However, few of us spend as much time to thinking about how foods and beverages affect our smiles.
That is why our Mill Valley family dentists are here to help! We have seen firsthand how impactful dietary changes can be for our patients. Keep reading to learn more about the foods and drinks for which you should watch out.
Staining Substances
Certain foods and beverages can leave color deposits on our teeth, and leave our smiles looking dark and stained over time. Some prime examples of discoloring substances include:
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Deeply colored sauces, including tomato sauces
- Chocolate
- Soy sauce
- Dark juices
- Richly colored fruits and veggies like blueberries and beets
In order to protect your smile, it is best to limit your consumption of staining substances, and to rinse your mouth with water after you finish eating or drinking.
Oral Acid
Another thing to look out for is acid—both acids present in food or drink or acids produced by oral bacteria. When your dental enamel comes into contact with acid, the enamel becomes temporarily softened and weaker. As you would imagine, this leaves the tooth vulnerable to damage and erosion. Wine, fruit juices, and soft drinks are all quite acidic. Additionally, many fruits, sugary treats, and processed meats lead to acid-related damage.
Some keys to minimizing acid damage include staying hydrated with water, rinsing your mouth after eating or drinking, and consuming acidic things in short periods of time, rather than continuously throughout the day. It’s also important to wait for about 20 to 30 minutes after acid exposure to brush your teeth; your enamel is softer than normal during this time period.
Optimizing your diet to protect your smile is simpler than you may think. Contact our Mill Valley family dentists to get more information, and to schedule a consultation with our team!