Make Your Holidays in Mill Creek, (and Your Smile) Bright!

The holidays in Mill Creek are filled with colors, and so are holiday foods! At parties and family meals, some foods are more likely to stain your teeth. Some we usually eat only at holidays. But we’re also drinking more and nibbling more. Watch out for foods and beverages that leave a lasting impression on your smile, but not the kind we want to leave!

Here are some of the top foods you might encounter at holiday time that can cause stains on your teeth:

• Berries and juices: Cranberry relishes, blueberry pie, fruit juices, artificially colored sodas are just a few tooth-staining culprits. Many of these are highly acidic and can damage tooth enamel.
• Coffee, tea, wine: Coffee, black tea, and red wine are well known for their potential to stain teeth.
• Artificially colored gum and candy, nuts: There are snacks and goodies everywhere this time of year! Those extra nibbles of candy (including chocolate!) and nuts can leave food stains on your teeth.

And of course, cigarettes and cigars can also leave ugly stains on your teeth.

You can help minimize tooth stains from holiday foods

• Most parties and snack tables usually include foods that can help combat tooth staining. Crunchy foods like carrots, celery, and apples help cleanse your teeth naturally.
• Take a sip of water occasionally with your coffee, tea or wine. Water can help naturally rinse your teeth.
• Don’t skimp on your dental care routines! Pay extra attention to flossing and brushing to remove food particles and stains.

Good dental care is the most important part of a beautiful smile. But we can do so much more! If you live in or around Mill Creek in communities like Snohomish and Everett, call the Mill Creek dental office of Dr. Brian Rutherford at 425.481.4974 for a checkup and consultation about cosmetic or restorative dentistry. Tooth-colored fillings, veneers, or Zoom! and Day White tooth-whitening services can all help give you that dazzling, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.