You have plenty of reasons to be thankful for your teeth. They’re what let you enjoy your favorite holiday foods, and they make it easy to speak and smile around your loved ones. But if you don’t take good care of your teeth, you could end up losing the blessings they provide. This Thanksgiving, show your teeth how grateful you are by keeping them safe with these 5 holiday oral health tips.
1. Floss Often
Many families make the Thanksgiving feast an all-day event, with the appetizers, main course, and desserts being spread out. Whenever you take a break from eating, take the time to floss thoroughly. This will help you get rid of any food stuck between your teeth before it can lead to plaque buildup.
2. Beware of Sticky Sweets
Pumpkin pie, apple pie, and pecan pie are all classic Thanksgiving desserts. Unfortunately, they are also quite sticky and full of sugar. Sticky sweets tend to be particularly bad for your teeth because they stay on your enamel for a long time, giving harmful oral bacteria more opportunities to feed on the sugar and turn it into the acids that cause tooth decay.
You don’t need to avoid sticky sweets altogether, but make sure to enjoy them in moderation. When you’re done eating something sticky, rinse your mouth with water afterward. This will help wash away any sugar stuck to your teeth and gums before it can lead to bigger problems.
3. Load Your Plate with Protein and Vegetables
Just like sugar, starch can feed the bacteria in your mouth that are responsible for causing cavities. As such, you’ll want to limit the number of starchy foods – such as stuffing or dinner rolls – that you put on your plate during the big meal. Try filling up on turkey or vegetables instead; they tend to be much better for your overall oral health.
4. Enjoy Some Cranberries
Cranberries contain polyphenols, which can help fight off cavity-causing bacteria. As such, you’ll want to make sure your Thanksgiving meal includes some cranberries if you want to keep your smile safe. Be mindful of how the cranberries are served, though. The oral health benefits will be canceled out if they’re used in a recipe that’s high in sugar.
5. Skip the Wine
Wine doesn’t just stain your teeth; it can also weaken the enamel protecting them, making them more vulnerable to decay. In general, it’s better to avoid acidic beverages like wine as much as possible when it comes to oral health.
If you have any concerns about your smile around Thanksgiving time, go ahead and schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll be able to give you some additional advice for keeping your smile safe throughout the holiday season.
About the Practice
At Pasadena Family Dentistry, Dr. Kimber Holmes, Dr. Erica Revel, and Dr. Raymond Lowery all work tirelessly to provide families with the best oral healthcare experience possible. They welcome patients of all ages, and they pride themselves in being trustworthy and honest about what treatments are necessary for maintaining oral health. If you’d like to schedule a Thanksgiving appointment at our office, visit our website or call (713) 946-5171.