One of the biggest reasons people look forward to the holiday season is the wide variety of dishes and festive beverages. But during all the opportunities to indulge in huge meals and special treats, it’s important to remember that many popular items can cause tooth discoloration. To help you reduce your need for teeth whitening, here are three common types of foods and drinks you should avoid to prevent discoloration.

Holiday Treats That Will Stain Your Teeth

1. Rich Sauces

Tomato pasta sauce, soy sauce, and curry are all flavorful ingredients that can help punch up many comfort food dishes. However, all of these sauces contain a high amount of acids, which erode enamel and leave the underlying portion of the tooth—known as dentin—exposed. When the red, brown, or yellow pigments of these sauces coat the teeth, they will stain the vulnerable dentin.

To limit this kind of staining, opt for lighter, creamier sauces instead. Eating dark greens—such as spinach—first will also help coat enamel with protective substances that help defend against discoloration.

2. Acidic Beverages

Many holiday beverages contain acidic compounds and tannins that work together to discolor teeth. These drinks include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and wine. Even white wine and white teas contain acids that, like heavy sauces, can erode enamel and increase the risk of staining.

Fortunately, there are several other drinks you can consume to reduce your need for teeth whitening—including sugar-free eggnog, rooibos herbal tea, vodka soda, and water. If you do want to indulge in a darker, acidic beverage, try using a straw to limit the fluid’s contact with the teeth. It’s also a good idea to rinse your teeth with water and brush afterward.

3. Dark Berries

Whether you’re pairing cranberry sauce with turkey or enjoying a slice of blackberry pie, be wary of dark berries this holiday season. These fruits also contain acids that weaken enamel as well as dark pigmentation that can stain underlying dentin.

Berries, however, do offer many nutritional components that can help support your general—and oral—health. So if you choose to munch on these sweet treats, try to avoid those that are combined with refined sugar. To rinse away lingering residue, drink a glass of milk or water after eating berries. Additionally, eating nuts or hard cheeses along with berries can help scrub away stains as well as provide nutrients that strengthen teeth.

While watching what you eat can help minimize staining, there’s no way to completely prevent tooth discoloration. That’s why Elberta Dental offers professional teeth whitening services in the Baldwin County area. Based in Elberta, AL, this dentist will use state-of-the-art technology to lift stubborn stains from teeth in a matter of minutes, producing a brighter smile just in time for your holiday season. To learn more about teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry solutions, visit this clinic online. For appointments, call (251) 986-3500.