Avoid These 5 Foods for Healthy Teeth | Dentist | Dr. Sandy Crocker

Dr. Sandy Crocker, Dr. Peter Mitchell & Associates on Springfield Road wants to give you all of the pertinent information you need to maintain your gorgeous grin after undergoing teeth whitening treatments. Our family-friendly dental clinic is home to the most talented and experienced oral surgeon in Kelowna! Clients undergo teeth whitening for a variety of reasons including dental implants, root canals and for cosmetic reasons. Clients receiving a new dental restoration often take this opportunity to brighten their entire smile. Avoid these five foods to ensure your teeth whitening treatments last longer:

• Berries & Pigmented Fruit
• Tea & Coffee
• Tomatoes
• Carbonated Colas
• Curry

Acids Can Stain & Damage Your Teeth

Some of our most delicious foods and beverages are acidic to the protective enamel covering on our teeth. Tomatoes, grapefruits, lemons, oranges, limes, carbonated sugary colas, balsamic vinegar and coffee or tea all fall into this potentially erosive category. It is a great habit to rinse your mouth (even with water if that is all you have in the moment), and brush your teeth afterwards if possible. Enjoying these dietary favourites is fine so long as you can minimize the acidic exposure to the surface of your teeth. Our bodies do not remake enamel. We have a limited amount and once it is gone, the darker, yellowish/greyish underlying dentin layer of the tooth can become exposed, leading to a duller and more sensitive smile. Similar to the way acid can etch metals and other sensitive materials, leaving pits, grooves and an uneven surface; acidic exposure to our teeth can rough up the enamel enough to allow stains to set in. We want your teeth whitening treatment to last and we believe in educating our clients for maximum success.

Tasty Tannins & Teeth Staining

Coffee, tea, red wine and berries contain tannins that can wreak havoc on your bright smile. While these tasty items are full of anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals, the plant-based tannins within can stick to the teeth and become difficult to remove. Berries are a very vibrant and healthy addition to many shakes, salads, desserts, muffins and more! Blueberries, cherries, blackberries, saskatoons, raspberries, gooseberries and all other deeply pigmented berries are best enjoyed by ensuring that no skins or seeds are stuck between the teeth after consuming. Delicious curries and other spicy dishes that rely on brightly coloured spices are healthy and yummy; however, these meals can influence your smile. Brushing, flossing and using mouthwash as a final rinse is a great way to safely enjoy these common favourite foods and beverages while avoiding unnecessary erosion.

Brush, Rinse & Chew Gum After Teeth Staining Foods & Drinks

Thankfully, there are some smile savvy steps you can take to ensure you enjoy that next slice of blueberry pie or glass of red wine guilt-free. Make a point of swishing your mouth out with some water if you are unable to brush your teeth properly after enjoying tannin and acid-laden foods. Chewing a stick of sugar-free gum is a great solution if you are on the go. It can be tricky to find time to take care of your dental needs during a social or business gathering. Chewing gum increases our saliva production, which helps bathe our teeth and gums in protection while naturally rinsing away bacteria from along the gum line.

Maintain Regular Dental Visits With Us!

If you are seeking Kelowna dental implants, root canals or any other oral surgery or cosmetic dentistry procedure, our office is happy to oblige. Book your dental checkup with us today to ensure your oral health is in top-notch shape! We are happy to discuss your best tooth whitening options and answer any of your dental questions or concerns!

Call Dr. Sandy Crocker, Dr. Peter Mitchell & Associates today to get started.