COMBATTING FOODS THAT STAIN YOUR TEETH Swallow Swiftly Don't let stain-causing foods and drinks linger in your mouth. Swallow them. When it comes to food, though, chew it well and don't gulp-you want to make sure you don't choke. Lessen Stains: Cut Back You may not want to cut all teeth-staining food and drinks out of your diet. Many of them - blueberries, blackberries, and tomato sauce, for example-are rich in antioxidants. So keep eating them, but ease up a bit or opt for other sources, like cauliflower, apples, grapefruit, and melon. Use a Straw Sip stain-causing drinks like sodas, juices, and iced tea through a straw. This will help keep the liquid away from your teeth. Rinse-Then Brush-After Eating Swish your mouth with water right after you eat or drink something that can stain. Wait 30 minutes to an hour before you brush after eating something with acid-any sooner and you could hurt the enamel on your teeth. If you can't get to your toothbrush, chew a piece of sugarless gum as soon as you've eaten. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1780728 COMBATTING FOODS THAT STAIN YOUR TEETH Swallow Swiftly Don't let stain-causing foods and drinks linger in your mouth. Swallow them. When it comes to food, though, chew it well and don't gulp-you want to make sure you don't choke. Lessen Stains: Cut Back You may not want to cut all teeth-staining food and drinks out of your diet. Many of them - blueberries, blackberries, and tomato sauce, for example-are rich in antioxidants. So keep eating them, but ease up a bit or opt for other sources, like cauliflower, apples, grapefruit, and melon. Use a Straw Sip stain-causing drinks like sodas, juices, and iced tea through a straw. This will help keep the liquid away from your teeth. Rinse-Then Brush-After Eating Swish your mouth with water right after you eat or drink something that can stain. Wait 30 minutes to an hour before you brush after eating something with acid-any sooner and you could hurt the enamel on your teeth. If you can't get to your toothbrush, chew a piece of sugarless gum as soon as you've eaten. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1780728