With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner Dr. Greg Martin of Smiles by Martin in the Grapevine, TX area wants his patients to be aware of 5 barbecue foods/drinks that can stain and damage teeth:

1. BBQ sauce and other dark sauces. What’s a BBQ without BBQ sauce? However, Dr. Martin warns that sauces that are dark, sticky and hot, stick to and stain teeth. Dr. Martin recommends rinsing after eating anything with BBQ sauce if you can’t brush.

2. Corn on the cob. Corn is healthy right? Corn can get stuck in teeth, and this can force teeth to separate. To keep this from happening, Dr. Martin suggests that you floss the corn out from between your teeth as soon as you can.

3. Citrusy drinks. These drinks have a lot of acid in them that wear away enamel if left to sit. Teeth can also change color and even shape if the acid is left to cause erosion. Moreover, these drinks dry out the mouth. This is a problem because it prevents saliva from doing its job. Brushing or rinsing can remove most of the acid and stimulate saliva.

4. Popsicles and slushies. When it is hot people reach for popsicles and slushies as an icy cold treat. Dr. Martin notes however that any food/drink that stains your tongue will also stain your teeth. Always brush after eating a popsicle and/or drinking a slushy.

5. S’mores. For those planning on having a campfire during a Memorial Day party and cooking up some S’mores, Dr. Martin explains that S’mores are sticky and contain sugar which provides a double threat to your teeth. Brush your teeth as soon as you can after eating s’mores.

If you or someone you know is interested in brightening their smile Dr. Martin offers TWO teeth whitening systems! Simply contact Dr. Martin at 817.481.1041, or stop by  when and if you are in the Grapevine, TX area. Have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend, and remember, your Memorial Day weekend plans should not include staining or damaging your teeth.

Many see how Invisalign® can make a big difference in people’s appearance and self-esteem, but the cost of Invisalign® may seem out of reach for their budget. Dr. Greg Martin of Smiles by Martin in the Roanoke, TX area believes that patients should think of their smile as an investment in their future. It’s how you greet the world, and it’s the first thing people notice about you.

Think of this investment in the same way you would invest in a suit, or a posh haircut at a fancy salon. The only difference is that a fantastic smile never goes out of style. A benefit of straightening your teeth with Invisalign® at Dr. Martin’s office is that he works with his patients on payment options that fit their budget and timeline. He also takes the time to talk with his patients about different treatment options that’ll help them achieve their “dream smile.” This makes the experience more personalized.

If you or someone you know is interested in clear braces with Invisalign®, contact Dr. Martin at 817.481.1041 to schedule an initial consultation, or mention it the next time you visit Smiles by Martin.

Are you thinking about getting cosmetic dentistry with Invisalign®, or already have Invisalign®? If so, we at Smiles by Martin in Grapevine, TX warn that teeth whitening should be done only AFTER treatment with Invisalign® is over. Here’s why: whitening teeth before Invisalign® while the teeth are crooked will make it difficult to distribute the whitening gel evenly on the teeth.

Moreover, did you know that certain foods whiten your smile? If you believe that your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like them to be Dr. Martin recommends eating your way to a whiter smile! Over time, eating crunchy fruits and vegetables can help keep your teeth white in which they trigger your mouth to make saliva which washes away food particles so they can’t stain teeth. For example, strawberries have an enzyme that acts like natural bleach, and broccoli has minerals that form a film on teeth so pigments from other foods won’t stain them.

When your Invisalign® treatment comes to an end Dr. Martin will thoroughly CLEAN your teeth and most likely recommend sticking to your Invisalign®-friendly diet for a little while longer. If you have any questions or concerns about Invisalign® or your oral hygiene please contact Dr. Martin at 817.481.1041, or stop by Smiles by Martin when and if you are in the Grapevine, TX area. Keep smiling!