Going Green for St. Patrick’s Day?

Happily for all of us who like to celebrate with friends and family, there’s no need to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. Every March 17th, many of us take the opportunity to display a bit of Gaelic spirit.

  • Green Clothing (it’s tradition!)
  • Green Hat (for a jaunty look)
  • Green Shamrock (always the perfect accessory)
  • Green Hair (for the adventurous among us)
  • Green Grins?

Here’s where we draw the line. Emerald Isle? Delightful! Emerald smile? Not so beguiling.

That traditional St. Patrick’s party fare—green-frosted sweet treats and green-colored pastries and green-foamed beers—is full of green-tinted food dyes, which can leave us with teeth in subtle shamrock shades. Luckily, most of us will have only a very temporary tinge to remind us of our dietary shenanigans, and there are simple ways to rid yourself of the green sheen:

  • Indulge sparingly in colorful cuisine, and drink water afterwards to rinse away green-dyed foods and beverages.
  • Use a straw for green drinks.
  • Brush your teeth. (Not only will you brush away the green, but you’ll brush away the sugars from sweet green desserts and the acids from sour green brews.)
  • Try a whitening toothpaste.

One special note: if you’ve just whitened your smile, best to eliminate strong food dyes from your diet for a few days. Teeth are more sensitive to staining after whitening, because the whitening process temporarily makes them more porous. Give yourself a few days, and your enamel will be back to (stain)fighting strength.

So, celebrate on the 17th and feel secure that on the 18th, your smile won’t be “wearing the green” any longer. But if you find that you’re not happy with the appearance of your smile anytime during the year, if you have more permanent staining caused by natural darkening over time, or workdays fueled by black coffee, or a diet filled with tomato sauce, dark berries, red wine, and other tasty (but discoloring) food, you’re still in luck.

Ask the doctor about professional whitening procedures at our Crystal, Minnesota office for a brighter, more confident smile. And with a bright, confident smile, every day’s a reason to celebrate!

Our Location

5640 W Broadway Ave Crystal, MN 55428-3510

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "This is a very professional place, but the atmosphere is so upbeat!!!! From the start of my interaction with the staff upon my leaving it was such a wonderful way to be treated. Everyone was so kind, caring, and considerate of my situation. They really put me at ease. The staff is Amazing!!!! I was overwhelmed by the experience. Thanks Crystal Dental Care!"
    Jon S.
  • "Michelle and Dr.Murphy were very helpful. Front desk ladies Tammy and I do apologize for forgetting the other ladies name, were so nice a welcoming. Everything was explained to me and I actually learn something regarding Diabetes and your oral health. Thanks again guys I will be back to get some treatments done in a few weeks."
    Shamika D.
  • "Great customer service! Wendy was so nice and super helpful with setting my appointment up and making sure I had all the right information. Thank you I will definitely refer everyone I know!"
    Queen A.
  • "Every staff member was kind and welcoming. I received clear and precise answers to all of my questions. Both the assistant and the dentist were gentle and respectful. I was given multiple options for a treatment plan with no pressure or up sales. It felt like affirming medical care. I’m looking forward to being a responsible and long term patient."
    Tobias B.
  • "Amy did a Fantastic job. She really put all of her skills in the cleaning. Probably the best cleaning I've ever had."
    Santos B.