Yesterday’s blog focused on whole foods that cause stains, such as beets, blueberries, and cranberries. Our final blog in the three-part staining series will focus on condiments. What would a hot dog be without ketchup? What would a salad be like without a balsamic vinaigrette? How about sushi with no soy sauce? All of these things very much enhance the foods we use them on. Evanston cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, will fill you in on which condiments you should be careful of getting your fill of.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce offers vitamins and nutrients. Rich in lycopene, and adding a delicious tang to pizza, pasta, and countless other dishes, unfortunately, tomato-based sauces are not only acidic, but they can also stain your teeth. Would you like to know a trick to enjoying the great parts of tomato sauce without harming your teeth? Try eating some spinach, a salad, or broccoli first. Green leafy and cruciferous veggies form a protective film that will stop stains from seeping into the pores of your teeth.
Balsamic Vinegar
Vinegar is a great base for salad dressings, but its dark shade gives it a terrible penchant for staining teeth. The good news is that just like the above-mentioned tomato sauce, the lettuce that you are likely dressing with balsamic vinegar will allow for that protective barrier from the leaves of the vegetable. If you are still concerned, there are many light and clear vinegars that can dress your salad as an alternative.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is right along the same lines as balsamic vinegar, but it sure makes rice sing. The salty liquid derived from soy beans (also known as edamame) should be used sparingly for two reasons. Not only can it stain your teeth, but it is very high in sodium, which is not great for your heart and overall health. When it comes to stains from food, use this rule of thumb: if you spilled it on your carpet and it would cause a stain, the same likely goes for your pearly whites.
Professional Teeth Whitening from Your Evanston Dentist
If you would like to arrange a consultation to discuss professional teeth whitening with your cosmetic dentist in Evanston, schedule an appointment with our 60201 dentist office by calling 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
