It’s officially November, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner! This special time of the year is about more than just showing gratitude and reconnecting with loved ones – you get to feast on all the delicious seasonal foods your heart desires! Unfortunately, this day of indulgence can be a nightmare for your oral health. By taking the following steps to protect your oral health, you can have a healthy Thanksgiving and keep your smile in its very best shape this holiday season.
Reduce Sugar
It’s no secret that sugar can have detrimental effects on your oral health. Each time you have a sweet treat, cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth feed on the particles, producing harmful acids that wear down the enamel on your teeth. Thanks to staples like cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pie, you may consume more sugar than you’d like on Thanksgiving. Fortunately, you can easily protect your pearly whites by cutting the sugar content in your meal or by cleaning your mouth throughout the day.
Choose Your Drinks Carefully
Some people love to pair their Thanksgiving dinner plate with fruit juice or a glass of red wine. Unfortunately, even though these drinks are certainly tasty, their acidity can quickly break down the enamel on your teeth. Sugary or alcoholic drinks can also threaten your oral health by drying up the saliva that helps naturally clean your mouth. To keep your smile safe, try drinking plain water as much as possible. If you must indulge in sugary, acidic, or alcoholic beverages, rinse with water afterward to eliminate any lingering particles.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Do you get excited when you see marshmallows, candied pecans, or caramel on your dessert? Most people do. However, these sticky foods can wreak havoc on your teeth. Not only are they full of sugar, but they can easily stick to your teeth. Since it’s harder to remove sticky residue, your chances of developing plaque and bacteria buildup are much higher. As a result, you increase your risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Be Careful with Hard, Sharp Foods
Many people enjoy snacking on chips, nuts, hard candies, popcorn, and other hard treats throughout the day, especially during the holidays. However, these hard and sharp foods can stab the gums or get stuck between teeth, in dentures, or braces. With that in mind, be careful while eating these foods, and keep some dental floss handy to clean your teeth afterward.
Stick to Designated Eating Times
Did you know how often you eat can affect your mouth just as much as the foods you eat? If you snack throughout the day, you’re constantly exposing your teeth and gums to harmful substances. Doing it too often can increase your risk of dental problems. Instead, stick to a designated eating time to avoid snacking!
Don’t forget to prioritize your oral health amidst all the holiday fun. By following the tips outlined above, you can protect your smile and enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving!
About the Practice
At Pasadena Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive and high-quality dental services to patients of all ages. Our team will always go the extra mile to ensure your family is receiving the best treatment possible. We use clinically proven advanced tools and techniques to give you the stunning results you deserve. For more ways to have a healthy Thanksgiving, visit our website or call (713) 946-5171.