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Now that November is here, Thanksgiving is probably all that you can think about. Maybe you love watching the football games or the parades, but many people particularly look forward to the delicious meal they’ll be having with their families. While this is the perfect time to savor your favorite holiday foods, keep in mind that many of them can increase the risk of dental health issues, like cavities. That’s why your dentist has provided five simple tips for making your Thanksgiving more tooth-friendly!
1. Avoid Grazing on Snacks
As tempting as it may be to munch on tiny pieces of pumpkin pie or other snacks throughout the day, it’s not great for your pearly whites. Many Thanksgiving foods are high in sugar or carbohydrates, which cause oral bacteria to release acidic byproducts that lead to cavities. The longer your teeth are exposed to such foods, the higher your risk for tooth decay. Try to hold off on eating until mealtimes, when your mouth produces more saliva to wash away harmful bacteria and lingering food debris.
2. Be Careful Around Hard Foods
The last thing you want is for your Turkey Day to be ruined by a dental emergency like a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. So, it’s best to exercise caution around foods that could damage your teeth, such as nuts, hard candies, popcorn, and chips. Instead, eat plenty of softer foods. This includes well-cooked turkey!
3. Limit Your Sugar Intake
It’s not exactly a secret that eating too much sugar can spell disaster for your dental health. But who wants to have Thanksgiving without enjoying some pie or other sweet treats? While you don’t need to fully abstain from sugary foods, avoid overindulging in them. To decrease your chances of tooth decay, drink lots of water after eating so that leftover sugars are rinsed off of your teeth.
4. Fill Your Plate with Veggies
In addition to turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, make sure your plate also has plenty of vegetables. Brussels sprouts, green beans, and carrots are all excellent choices for your teeth. They contain vital nutrients that keep your gums healthy, your teeth strong, and your risk of oral health problems lower.
5. Remember to Clean Your Teeth
Keeping your mouth clean probably isn’t near the top of your mind on Thanksgiving, but you’ll be grateful later if you do so. If you brush your teeth or simply rinse your mouth with water after every meal, you’ll be greatly reducing the risk of bad bacteria building up and causing problems. You may also want to consider flossing after you eat since food particles tend to get trapped in the spaces between the teeth.
As long as you keep these tips in mind, you can have a great Thanksgiving without putting your smile in harm’s way. You’ll also be creating habits that can lead to a healthier smile for many years to come!
About the Practice
At Sunny Dental, our goal is to deliver top-quality dentistry in a welcoming and relaxing environment. Our skilled, friendly dentists have the expertise to provide nearly every dental service you and your family members could need in a single location. We also offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency visits for maximum convenience. If you’re looking for a dentist in Lancaster, TX, you can get in touch with our office by calling (469) 765-8050.
