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Considering all of the teeth whitening treatments you've tried (and spent money on!) within the past six months, you really don't want to ruin your smile just before your wedding day. To keep your pearly whites sparkling down the aisle, we spoke to two New York City-based cosmetic dentists to find out the foods you should absolutely avoid — no matter how tempting that glass of Merlot looks at the rehearsal dinner.
While we're not telling you to forgo coffee all together while wedding planning (we're sure the extra dose of caffeine helps you deal with that pre-wedding to-do list!), just don't take your java black. Instead, add a creamer to lighten the liquid. "Coffee can be dehydrating to the mouth, so there is little saliva produced to wash away the stain," says Dr. Nancy Ronsen.
Also, watch out for refined carbohydrates like crackers, cookies, and white bread — the sugars in the starch can do major damage to your teeth. Something else you should avoid? Red wine. "The sediments found in red wine contributes to its high staining power, and the fine particles seep into the tooth's pores," explains Dr. Gregg Lituchy of Lowenberg & Lituchy.
And though they're great for your diet, blueberries can wreak havoc on your smile since the deep blue color can darken your teeth. Our experts advise adding them to a yogurt smoothie and washing them down through a straw rather than eating them whole. The straw prevents the berries from making direct contact with your teeth, so the potential damage is greatly reduced.
Want to know what other foods you shouldn't eat before your big day? Check out the below link to read the rest of the list!
Click here to see the 10 foods that will stain your teeth before the wedding!