We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last couple of years, and all of us are happy to be resuming some of our normal habits and routines. Our office had resumed offering full services on June 4, 2020. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety. Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have noticed this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued.
When we first returned to full operation, we had to make some protocol changes. Some of these we have been able to stop doing and others we are continuing. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example: 
We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in other places for you to use as needed.
You may see that our waiting room no longer offers children’s toys since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect.
Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.
We are so happy to be seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 518-885-7551 or send us an email: contactus@janpfugaldds.com. Thank you for being our patient and part of our family. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to continuing to serve our patients, neighbors, and friends.
Sincerely,
Dr Jan P Fugal DDS, Tabatha, Tammi, Alicia, Rhyannon and Tanisha. 

Why Smoking Is Bad for Your Dental Health

dental health Ballston Spa, NY

Are you a smoker and wondering how smoking affects your dental health? For almost half a century, we have been warned by the Surgeon General that smoking is bad for our health. One thing that has not been given the attention it warrants is the fact that smoking is also bad for your dental health and can create major dental problems.

Smoking and your dental health

Staining

Smoking and the use of tobacco products is bad for your dental health because of the effects it has on your teeth and gums. Cigarettes stain your teeth because of the tar and nicotine in the tobacco, which makes your teeth turn yellow or brown, depending on how long you have been smoking.

Gum disease

You also put yourself at risk of gum disease when you smoke or use smokeless tobacco. The chemicals in the tobacco cause inflammation around your teeth because of a shortage of oxygen in your bloodstream, which prevents your gums from healing quickly.

Oral cancer

Tobacco use also increases your risk of oral cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 90 percent of people with oral cancer have used tobacco products. Smokers are also six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers, while smokeless tobacco users are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer than people who do not use tobacco products.

Are there oral hygiene products designed for smokers?

Yes, if you are a smoker and want to reduce your chances of tooth decay and gum disease, there are kinds of toothpaste that are specifically made for smokers to help remove the stains on your teeth and improve your breath. However, these products will not reduce your likelihood of getting cancer, so quitting the habit is the best option.

How do I quit using tobacco?

Giving up smoking or smokeless tobacco can be difficult, especially if you have been using tobacco for a long time. However, it is worth it because of the benefits to your general and dental health. If you are ready to quit the habit, you need to come up with a plan and stick to it. If you do not think you need any help, you can try quitting cold turkey.

If you do not think you can give it up without help, you can use any of the over-the-counter quitting aids available at pharmacies or you can ask your doctor to prescribe medication to help you quit smoking.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you want to quit smoking is the fact that it is an addiction, and like other addictions, there will be setbacks. You should talk to your dentist or find a group of former smokers you can talk to, especially when you are craving some nicotine.

Conclusion

Smoking is bad for your dental health and significantly increases your chances of losing your teeth and developing oral cancer. If you are a smoker and are ready to give up the habit, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for information that can help you stop smoking.

Request an appointment here: or call Jan P. Fugal DDS at (518) 885-7551 for an appointment in our Ballston Spa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

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Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

TMJ Ballston Spa, NY

Wanting your general dentist to help you experience less TMJ pain? Some of the more common symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder include a clicking of the jaw, headaches, earaches, pain when opening the mouth wide and overall tenderness in the jaw muscles. If you are experiencing even one of these symptoms, you will also experience some level of pain. This pain can get in the way of your everyday happiness, making it a good idea to ask your general dentist for pain relief help.

About TMJ

Learning more about TMJ will help you better understand this common disorder. Your jaw joints are very complex and can move in different directions. They allow you to perform everyday habits, like chewing food and talking. When a problem occurs that gets in the way of your jaw joints performing their normal functions, problems will soon follow. You may experience a little bit of pain or a lot of pain, it simply depends on your particular situation. If TMJ is not treated in a timely manner, it will only continue to get worse.

Common causes of TMJ

Some of the more common causes of temporomandibular joint disorder include being involved in some type of accident that causes the jaw to be dislocated, clenching the teeth so much that it places a lot of pressure on the jaw, grinding the teeth so often that it gets in the way of proper jaw alignment, having a mouth full of crooked teeth and being diagnosed with arthritis.

Can general dentists treat TMJ?

Yes, a general dentist can treat their patients who have been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder. A general dentist already understands how the jaw functions and can therefore offer patients who are suffering from TMJ pain a few different types of treatment options. Patients who are experiencing severe TMJ pain may need to be referred to an orthodontist for further treatment if general dentistry treatment options do not work. The below list includes three common treatments general dentists will use to treat their TMJ patients who are in pain.

Wear a custom dental appliance

Dental patients whose TMJ diagnosis stems from their clenching or grinding their teeth will often benefit from using a custom dental appliance. Also called a bite guard or a splint, this appliance will keep the patient's upper teeth from coming into contact with their lower teeth.

Hot, cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy requires patients to alternate using hot packs and cold packs to lessen or eliminate their pain. This type of TMJ therapy can be used up to four times a day, which helps to relax the tense muscles that are often the reason behind the pain.

Learning relaxation techniques

There are a number of relaxation techniques those diagnosed with TMJ can utilize to lessen or even eliminate their pain. The techniques specifically target the areas in the jaw muscles that are tense, which can greatly reduce the tension and accordingly lead to less jaw pain.

Are you currently suffering from TMJ pain?

We completely understand how suffering from TMJ pain can get in the way of your being able to properly function during your day. When you are in pain, it is difficult to think about anything else. Understand that there are options available to you so you no longer have to suffer from TMJ-related pain. If you have any questions we can answer for you, please call us now. If you need to make an appointment, we can get you scheduled in at a time that is convenient for you.

Are you considering TMJ treatment in the Ballston Spa area? Get more information at .

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

Wanting your general dentist to help you experience less TMJ pain? Some of the more common symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder include a clicking of the jaw, headaches, earaches, pain when opening the mouth wide and overall tenderness in the jaw muscles. If you are experiencing even one of these symptoms, you will also…

Sensitive Teeth: 3 Signs It is Time to See Your Dentist

sensitive teeth Ballston Spa, NY

The fact is that sensitive teeth are oftentimes painful, and the only way to treat the issue in many instances is to visit the dentist for in-office care. By fully understanding the more concerning signs indicating that a trip to the dentist office is necessary, you can get the treatment you need and prevent a more serious oral care issue from developing.

When to see the dentist for sensitive teeth

Anytime sensitive teeth are a symptom of a larger issue that puts the long-term health of the tooth in jeopardy or causes an intolerable level of discomfort for an extended amount of time, it is time to visit the dentist for treatment. The following is in-depth information on the signs of unusual teeth sensitivity. 

Sensitive teeth that last for several weeks

There are instances where sensitive teeth might be the result of temporary poor oral hygiene or poor dietary choices, which leads to bacteria eating away at the tooth and causing irritation. If this occurs, it is important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing several times a day and using floss and mouthwash, along with avoiding foods high in sugar and other carbohydrates as well. However, if these changes do not help and the sensitivity lasts for more than a week, then it is time to visit the dentist, as the issue is likely caused by another, more concerning matter. 

The discomfort becomes intolerable

If the pain or sensitivity becomes severe to the point where it prohibits the patient from carrying out their daily routine in a normal manner, then it is time to visit the dentist as soon as possible. There are several reasons why visiting the dentist for intolerable teeth sensitivity is important. The first and most obvious reason is so that the patient can feel better. Additionally, sudden, intolerable pain or sensitivity to a tooth might indicate a tooth infection or tooth damage that went unnoticed. 

Other oral health concerns develop

Anytime sensitive teeth exist alongside other concerning symptoms, it is important to visit the dentist for diagnosis and treatment. In many instances, sensitive teeth are a symptom of a more concerning issue, such as gum disease, tooth infection or tooth damage. If teeth are sensitive and there are any gum complications or visible issues to the surface of the tooth (such as a chip, crack or cavity), then be sure to call the dentist and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

Talk to a dentist about sensitive teeth treatment

No one should have to live with sensitive teeth daily, and there are fortunately many treatment options available when visiting the dentist. If you suffer from sensitive teeth and want to find out the underlying issue and how the complication can be treated, contact our office today and set up an appointment to have the teeth in question examined and treated in an effective and efficient manner. Our staff is ready and able to help you throughout the entire process, from the initial consultation to preventing teeth sensitivity in the future. 

Request an appointment here: or call Jan P. Fugal DDS at (518) 885-7551 for an appointment in our Ballston Spa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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Can My General Dentist Help Me With TMJ Pain?

Wanting your general dentist to help you experience less TMJ pain? Some of the more common symptoms associated with temporomandibular joint disorder include a clicking of the jaw, headaches, earaches, pain when opening the mouth wide and overall tenderness in the jaw muscles. If you are experiencing even one of these symptoms, you will also…

How a Smile Makeover Treatment Can Improve Your Appearance

smile makeover Ballston Spa, NY

A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures used to fix problems with the teeth and improve one's appearance. Though the main objective is to improve the appearance of the teeth, there are other advantages to getting a smile makeover.

The many potential benefits of smile makeovers

Numerous patients have found that a smile makeover has both expected and unexpected benefits for oral health as well as life overall.

Increased confidence

A person with yellow, crooked or damaged teeth may be reluctant to smile in public due to embarrassment about the appearance of their smile and wanting to avoid being ridiculed. After getting a smile makeover, an individual may feel more confident smiling in public due to being more happy with the way their teeth look.

Improvement in general health

People’s oral health and general health are connected, which is one reason why dentists tell patients to practice good oral hygiene. When a person goes for a smile makeover, the dentist will examine the patient's mouth to determine how to fix the teeth. The dentist will also clean the patient’s teeth and gums during the procedure, which helps to improve general health.

Pain relief

If one undergoes a smile makeover because of missing teeth, the makeover may relieve the pain caused by having an unprotected space in the mouth. The missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, which act like the patient’s natural teeth. If the pain is caused by a bite problem, this issue may also be fixed with a smile makeover, allowing the patient to eat any foods without worrying about pain.

Improvement in career

It is important to understand that having perfect teeth will not get anyone a new job. However, if a person is already qualified for a job, employers are more likely to hire someone who looks presentable and has an attractive smile, especially if the job requires interacting with customers or clients.

Protection of facial structure

If a patient has missing teeth, the bones in the jaw can lose density where the teeth are absent. This loss of bone density can lead to the collapse of the facial structure, making a person look older than they are. Someone who undergoes a smile makeover to fix the missing teeth using dental implants does not have to worry about those gaps compromising jaw bone density or facial structure.

Improvement in social life

As previously mentioned, undergoing a smile makeover often can increase one’s confidence. Newly restored confidence can in turn improve a patient's social life, allowing them to meet new people and form new friendships, no longer held back by concerns about the way their teeth look.

Conclusion

A smile makeover can be a convenient way to fix problems with teeth and improve one's appearance while giving a person more confidence in their smile. A dentist can tell you more about what procedures can help you take advantage of these benefits and more.

Request an appointment here: or call Jan P. Fugal DDS at (518) 885-7551 for an appointment in our Ballston Spa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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A Few General Dentistry Questions

general dentistry Ballston Spa, NY

Thinking if you understand more about general dentistry, then you would make more dental appointments with your general dentist? It really is essential for you to see your general dentist at least once a year for a dental check-up. Some dentists recommend that their patients come in twice a year, which is dependent upon their particular oral needs.

When you fully understand the importance of seeing a dentist on a regular basis, you are more likely to go.

About general dentistry

Learning more about the many general dentistry services available to you allows you to better understand your oral needs. A general dentist is the first person you make an appointment with when you are experiencing any type of dental-related issue. They are the type of dental professional who diagnoses, treats and manages your oral health. They provide their patients with a wide variety of dental services, from professional teeth cleanings to filling cavities to performing root canals.

General dentistry questions

The following is a list of some of the more common questions people have about general dentistry services.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is also referred to as caries and cavities. Cavities are caused when there is a buildup of bacteria in the mouth, which causes plaque. Plaque sticks to the teeth, jeopardizing their overall health. When this plaque is not removed and is allowed to build up on the teeth, it will eventually cause holes in the teeth, also known as tooth decay.

Are X-rays really necessary?

Yes. Dental X-rays are necessary because they allow the dental professional to see and therefore diagnose any oral problems that may be occurring in the patient’s mouth. Dental X-rays have undergone a lot of improvements over the past years, making them safer than ever.

How can cavities be avoided?

Cavities can be avoided by creating a daily oral routine that supports one’s good oral health. This includes brushing the teeth at least twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste and flossing the teeth at least once a day to remove any hidden food debris.

What causes sensitive teeth?

There are a few causes of sensitive teeth, with two of the more common causes related to being diagnosed with worn down tooth enamel and exposed tooth roots. Additional causes include having a new cavity, having a cracked tooth and having periodontal disease.

What are the most common signs of gum disease?

Four of the more common signs of gum disease are tender gums, bleeding gums, receding gums and ongoing bad breath. When someone has noticed signs of gum disease and does not seek dental treatment as soon as possible, it will only worsen.

Have any additional questions?

Are you currently in need of general dentistry services? If you are, then the sooner you make a dental appointment the more likely you are to experience good oral health. When you see your general dentist on a regular basis, they are able to spot any potential dental problems in the beginning stages. When dental problems are addressed in their beginning stages, they are much easier to treat.

If you have any additional questions, please call us now so we can give you the answers you need.

Request an appointment here: or call Jan P. Fugal DDS at (518) 885-7551 for an appointment in our Ballston Spa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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5 Tips for Family Dental Care from a Top Ballston Spa, NY, Dentist

family dental care Ballston Spa, NY

Finding top-quality family dental care is one of the most important health decisions a household can make. Depending on the health levels of each family member, as well as ages and experience with dental professionals, a great family dental care provider could be right around the corner. Dental practices can vary based on the experience and preferences of the dentists and dental hygienists who work there, so finding a family dentist who can provide great care may take a little research. The following five tips can help in narrowing down the search.

Consider the basics of family dental care

It can be overwhelming to find medical care in this day and age with so many different practices. Add in specific family dental care needs, like orthodonture or cosmetic dental procedures, and it can seem like there are just too many options. Simplify the search with a few easy steps.

1. Ask whether the office is child-friendly

Children can often be nervous or frightened at the dentist, with the attendant strange noises, new people and uncomfortable procedures. When looking for a dentist to treat children, ask whether many other families with young children receive dental services there. See if the dentist would take the time to explain actions to children, so as not to scare them. Bringing children up with positive memories of the dental office is a key part of promoting good dental care later in life.

2. Get recommendations from family and friends

Pardon the pun, but word-of-mouth recommendations can be a great way to find a new family dentist. People often like to tell other people about good or bad experiences with medical care. Find a person you can trust and ask a few questions about whether certain dental practices might be a good fit. The internet can also be full of recommendations and reviews, so it can be a smart idea to research dentists there.

3. Trust those instincts

If a particular family dentist does not seem friendly or professional, then do not trust the healthcare of the family with that practice. When it comes to personal health, communication is important. If the dental practice seems dated or dirty and the employees are unkind or cold, then keep searching. A good dentist should feel like a good fit for the whole family.

4. Look up credentials

Once a shortlist is made of dentists, make sure the professional organizations and certifications are in good standing. Learn which dental schools the dentists have attended, where training was done and how long the practice has been established. Good experience is valuable in dentistry. A qualified family dentist should have wide experience and trustworthy recommendations from peers.

5. Find a convenient location

A great dentist with a modern office is not worth very much if it is based on the far side of town. Choose a local dentist to ensure regular visits. Saving time by not sitting in traffic or dragging children across the city can make trips to the dentist more enjoyable for the whole family. This frees time to spend on more fun activities.

Conclusion

Though possibly overwhelming, it is important to find great family dental care. With a little research, you can protect the health of the family and promote good dental hygiene practices.

Are you considering family dental care in the Ballston Spa area? Get more information at .

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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How to Care for Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers Ballston Spa, NY

As dentistry continues to evolve, more and more people are considering porcelain veneers as a way to restore teeth with severe damage. However, just like with any other dental restoration, it is crucial to be aware of how to care for them. This article highlights how to care for porcelain veneers after their placement. Being aware of how to care for these dental restorations will help ensure that they last a lifetime, which is what they are meant to do.

Caring for porcelain veneers

These tips should help anyone with porcelain veneers to keep them in the best shape possible. Keep reading to find out all that you need to know!

Brush daily

Just like with natural teeth, one of the best ways to care for porcelain veneers is to maintain regular oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing at least twice a day or after every meal that a person eats. Brushing regularly will ensure that the porcelain veneers remain free of discoloring and bacteria growth.

Floss daily

Another important part of regular oral hygiene for porcelain veneers is to floss daily. Flossing each day will ensure that no leftover food remains in between teeth that could cause plaque buildup or bacteria growth.

Avoid hard or chewy foods

While porcelain veneers are incredibly durable, they are also a delicate material. It is best to avoid extremely hard or chewy foods that may cause wear and tear on the veneer. Over time, too much wear and tear could cause the veneer to deteriorate or pull away from the natural tooth.

Only use teeth for eating

A lot of people have bad habits such as nail biting or opening bottles with their teeth. In order to care for porcelain veneers, it is best to avoid using the teeth for anything other than eating. Bad habits as such can cause the veneer to lift from the natural tooth or become severely damaged in which replacement may be necessary.

Regularly see the dentist

Once a person has porcelain veneers placed on their teeth, it is best that they maintain regular dentist appointments to ensure that the veneers are in good shape. The dentist can examine the veneers and provide any suggestions on ways to care for them. And, if there are any abnormalities with them, they can address them right away. The dentist can take any necessary steps to repair or replace the porcelain veneers. 

Have more questions?

Want to learn more about porcelain veneers and how to care for them? There are many ways that you can keep your porcelain veneers in excellent condition. They can restore your teeth and last you a lifetime. Reach out to our office so that we can help you further. Let our trained professionals go over any necessary care that you will need to know about so that your veneers stay in good shape. Give us a call or stop by today, we are here to help!

Request an appointment here: or call Jan P. Fugal DDS at (518) 885-7551 for an appointment in our Ballston Spa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

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How Should I Clean My Dentures?

dentures Ballston Spa, NY

Dentures are one option available to you if you have lost some or all of your teeth. Although it is normal for people to lose teeth throughout a lifetime, you do not have to live without them. Dentures can fix the problem of missing teeth while improving your smile. Using them allows you to speak and chew more effectively. There are different dentures available, so whether you choose a permanent, removable or partial set, you can enjoy having teeth once again.

Cleaning dentures is important

The purpose of wearing dentures is to help people who have lost their teeth. Dentures can help patients speak, eat and smile more naturally. These things are possible when dentures are well-maintained and comfortable. It is important for patients to know how to properly clean dentures to keep them stain-free and good-looking.

Rinse dentures after meals

Patients should run warm or cool water over the dentures to remove any leftover food particles and debris. It is recommended to put a towel in the sink or over the counter while rinsing the dentures to avoid breakage should the denture drop. While cleaning the dentures, it is important that patients do not bend or damage the clasps or plastic.

Rinse out mouths

Once the dentures have been removed, it is important for patients to rinse out their mouths. Patients can use a soft-bristled toothbrush on any remaining natural teeth. Gauze or a softer toothbrush can be used on the tongue, cheeks and roof of the patient’s mouth. If a patient uses denture adhesive, it should be removed.

Brush the dentures

Patients should take out dentures at least once a day to rinse and clean. Soak them and brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a non-abrasive cleanser to get rid of any food and plaque. If a patient uses denture adhesive, it is important to clean the grooves that fit against the gums to get rid of any leftover adhesive.

Soak dentures overnight

Dentures should remain moist to keep the proper shape. Patients should put dentures in water or into a denture-soaking solution during the night. When in doubt, a patient should talk to a dentist about how to properly store the dentures overnight.

Rinse dentures before wearing them

Before a patient puts the dentures back in, it is important to rinse them off thoroughly. This is especially true if the dentures were in a cleaning solution. These solutions may have harmful chemicals that could cause burns, pain and vomiting when swallowed.

Schedule regular checkups

A dentist will recommend how often a patient should come in and have the dentures examined and cleaned professionally. The dentist can ensure the dentures fit properly in order to reduce slippage and discomfort.

Avoid specific treatments

Patients should never use strong cleansers or harsh toothpaste. These are too abrasive and may damage the dentures. Additionally, patients should avoid anything with bleach as this can weaken dentures and damage the color. Finally, hot water can warp dentures.

Take care of dentures properly

It is your job to properly take care of your dentures. If you clean them regularly and check in with your dentist, then dentures can last a lot longer. Make sure you are following the above tips for cleaning and that you avoid the cleansers and hot water that can lead to damage.

Are you considering getting dentures in the Ballston Spa area? Get more information at .

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6 Foods That Should Be Avoided After Teeth Whitening

When it comes to teeth whitening, many people think that the actual whitening itself is the only thing that will give you a dazzling smile. However, the at-home care after your teeth whitening is just as important. One of the easiest ways to keep your teeth white is to avoid certain foods and beverages that are known to stain or weaken your teeth.

With so many different food and drink items out there, how do you know which ones will keep your newly whitened teeth in the best shape? Read on to find out about six foods that should be avoided after teeth whitening.

Foods to avoid after teeth whitening

1. Acidic foods

Acidic foods are one of the biggest no-no’s when it comes to newly whitened teeth. During the whitening process, your enamel is slightly weakened from the bleach. Acidic foods may further weaken your enamel which can lead to increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods. Some of the biggest culprits include:

  • Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges or grapefruits
  • Tomatoes
  • Pineapples
  • Pickled foods, such as sauerkraut or pickles
  • Processed meats

2. Dark-colored beverages

Coffee, tea and soda are some of the most common causes of tooth staining, and, in fact, could be part of the reason you are getting your teeth whitened in the first place. Coffee, tea, and soda all contain dark pigments that become trapped in the tiny pits and craters on the surface of your teeth and lead to stains.

Grape juice is another dark-colored beverage that you should avoid post teeth whitening. If you absolutely cannot go without your dark-colored beverage of choice, drink it through a straw and rinse your mouth out with water immediately afterward.

3. Dark sauces

The general rule of thumb when it comes to deciding what is safe to eat after teeth whitening is whether it will stain a white shirt. Dark-colored sauces definitely will, so you’ll want to avoid these. This includes tomato sauce, soy sauce, mustard and other dark-colored sauces.

4. Red wine

Red wine is one of the most important items to avoid after teeth whitening. We’ve all seen how a glass of red wine can give your smile a purple hue even when you are not post-whitening, so just imagine how much more susceptible you are after your treatment.

5. Foods containing dyes

This includes popsicles, candy and sports drinks. Your teeth are extra susceptible to staining right now, so you definitely want to avoid any foods or drinks that contain dyes, both natural and artificial.

6. Dark-colored fruits and vegetables

Dark-colored fruits and veggies should be avoided after your teeth whitening. Again, anything dark enough to stain a white shirt will stain your teeth. Here are some fruits and veggies to avoid:

  • Berries
  • Purple cabbage
  • Grapes
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Cherries
  • Pomegranates
  • Spinach or other dark, leafy greens

The bottom line

By avoiding certain foods that are known to stain your teeth, you can maintain a bright white smile long after you’ve whitened your teeth. Combine this with strong oral health practices and you will have a beautiful and healthy set of teeth.

Request an appointment here: or call Jan P. Fugal DDS at (518) 885-7551 for an appointment in our Ballston Spa office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Professional Teeth Whitening.

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