With winter here and cooler nights ahead, what could be better than curling up with a warm blanket, a good book (or a good show!) a roaring fire, and perhaps a cup of coffee or a glass of wine? While this relaxing scenario will likely be played out in millions of homes across America this season, it can cause a few minor problems you may not have considered.
While it’s natural to want to hibernate like a bear during these cooler months, be sure to try and get some physical activity when you can. If it’s too cold to exercise outside, try an exercise app that lets you work out at home, or invest in gym equipment or a gym membership.
Another problem? Stained teeth! It’s true. Between foods like hot cocoa, peppermint lattes, red wine, and staining soups like tomato soup back on the menu, remember this rule of thumb: if it can stain a white shirt, it can stain your teeth!
Thankfully, there are ways to prevent tooth stains. For example, alternating sips of water while drinking dark liquids can reduce staining on the teeth. In the case of drinks like red wine which are naturally acidic, alternating sips of water can help reduce the amount of acid on the teeth, protecting the enamel. It may even help prevent a hangover!
Another tip is to brush your teeth immediately after consuming any of these foods, however with acidic foods like wine, we recommend you wait at least 30 minutes before brushing, as this will allow the enamel to reharden.
While it is recommended that you brush twice a day for two minutes at a time, this is just the minimum. Ideally, you should brush for two minutes at a time after every meal!
Another way to help prevent staining is to get regular dental exams and cleanings. Cleanings will remove plaque buildup on the teeth which may be causing your teeth to be discolored. If cleanings and brushings still don’t help with stains, you may want to consider a whitening treatment from Dr. Abelar. Professional whitening can reduce stains and lighten your teeth by many shades, depending on the type of stains.
If it’s time to schedule your cleaning or you’re interested in learning more about teeth whitening, veneers, or any other cosmetic dentistry procedure, please contact Dr. Abelar today!
