When you’re counting your blessings this Thanksgiving, your teeth should be high on the list. After all, without your teeth, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the big meal to the fullest! Unfortunately, many of the foods that are served for Thanksgiving can have a less-than-positive effect on your grin. As such, to show how thankful you are for your teeth, follow these 5 holiday oral health tips to keep them safe during the upcoming feast.
1. Carry Dental Floss with You
If the Thanksgiving feast is an all-day event for your family, you need to be proactive about keeping your smile clean. Eating constantly throughout the day increases the risk of plaque buildup, which can lead to cavities and other oral health issues. Keep some dental floss in your pocket and use it to clean between your teeth each time after you eat; that way, you can get rid of the leftover bits of food that could attract harmful oral bacteria.
2. Be Careful with Sticky Sweets
Sticky desserts such as pecan pie can cling to your teeth for a long time. If bacteria feed on the sugar that these desserts contain, they will secrete an acid that can wear down your enamel, leading to tooth decay. Your dentist therefore highly recommends that you stay away from sticky treats as much as possible. If you do happen to indulge a bit, drink some water immediately afterward to wash away any leftover sugar.
3. Beware Starchy Foods
Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls are all Thanksgiving staples. Sadly, they are also high in starch, which can have the same negative impact on your oral health as sugar. You should try to avoid putting too many starchy foods on your plate during the Thanksgiving meal. Try filling up on turkey and vegetables instead, and go easy on the gravy.
4. Don’t Forget the Cranberries
Cranberries are filled with polyphenols, which can help fight the harmful oral bacteria that are responsible for tooth decay. If you’re looking to keep your smile safe this Thanksgiving, adding a scoop of cranberries to your plate is definitely a step in the right direction. (Just be wary about how they’re served; cranberry sauce tends to contain high amounts of sugar.)
5. Skip the Wine
Wine contains alcohol that can dry out your mouth, which increases the risk of cavities; it’s also quite acidic and can significantly weaken the enamel protecting your teeth. Do your smile a favor and drink something other than wine with your Thanksgiving meal this year.
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy yourself with your loved ones, but it’s important to make sure that you’re still taking excellent care of your teeth during the holiday. By following the above tips, you can keep your smile safe while still satisfying your appetite!
About the Author
Dr. Brett Noorda has been helping people enjoy healthy, beautiful, confident smiles for nearly 25 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. At his Henderson practice, Dental Excellence, he offers comprehensive state-of-the-art care for his patients. If you would like to schedule a post-Thanksgiving dental appointment with Dr. Noorda, visit his website or call (702) 456-7403.