With Thanksgiving around the corner, you might have plenty of plans to juggle. From traveling and cooking to organizing a family get-together, this holiday weekend can seem somewhat challenging. While the main thing about this month is the delicious meal you’re excited to munch on, the last thing you want is to develop a cavity after the festivities. Read on to learn several tooth-friendly tips on how to have a healthy Thanksgiving for your pearly whites!
Tip #1: Avoid Snacking Frequently
Since it’s the holidays, it’s easy to be tempted to munch on all your favorite foods throughout the day, especially while waiting for the turkey to be cooked. However, make sure to give your teeth a break, as you don’t want to allow food particles and bacteria to accumulate or stay in your mouth for too long. Avoid snacking constantly and brush your teeth after every meal to keep them clean and healthy.
Tip #2: Hold Back on Sweet Treats
Aside from the platters of salty foods, you can be sure to enjoy numerous sweet treats when it’s time for dinner and dessert. While these snacks may be incredibly delicious, they can weaken your enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to plaque and dental decay. For this reason, you’ll want to avoid treats like cranberry sauce, marshmallow yams, and pies. If you do enjoy one of these foods, at least rinse out your mouth to decrease the sugar’s effects on your smile.
Tip #3: Minimize Your Sticky Food Intake
Thanksgiving desserts typically come with plenty of tasty ingredients like pecan, caramel, and marshmallows. Unfortunately, many of them are sticky and end up clinging to your teeth for extended periods. If left unchecked, they can allow bacteria to feed and grow, resulting in oral health issues like decay and cavities. Try minimizing your intake of sticky treats, and go for foods that are easy to wash away.
Tip #4: Be Careful with Hard Foods
Munching on hard foods like chips, nuts, crackers, and popcorn is one of the hallmarks of having get-togethers. However, sharp pieces from these treats can end up getting trapped between your teeth and underneath your gum line! Make sure to rinse your mouth out and keep some dental floss handy in case you need to remove a lodged piece.
Tip #5: Drink Wine in Moderation
If you like to enjoy a glass of wine during Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to avoid sipping on it for hours. Since it’s an alcoholic beverage, it’ll be highly acidic and can begin to wear down your enamel, leaving your teeth more susceptible to dangerous bacteria. It can also dry out your mouth and hinder saliva production, which is essential for washing away germs and debris. Water and milk are better drinking options, but you can also try less acidic beverages like gin, tonic, or light beer.
Show thanks for your smile this holiday season by keeping these few tips in mind. You’ll be able to enjoy your Thanksgiving while maintaining great oral health in the long run!
About the Practice
At Family Dental Center of East Texas, we deliver high-quality and comprehensive care for Center, TX, and the surrounding communities. Our team treats patients of all ages, offers flexible financing options, and is conveniently located so you can receive the dental treatment you need. We provide a wide range of advanced services, including dental checkups/cleanings, fluoride treatment, and fillings. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 936-427-9070.