It’s very quickly becoming the season where you may feel much busier than before. You may be planning a lush dinner with your loved ones and getting ready to send out all the invites. Thanksgiving is a day when many families and friends come together and enjoy a festive feast. Although the food is delicious, some aren’t the best for your smile. Here are five tips to protect your teeth on this holiday.
1.) Limit How Much Starches You Eat
As a side to the main meal, many people choose to have some stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, or buttery bread. While they likely pair well with the other things on your plate, starches aren’t the best for your grin. The bacteria in your mouth feed off the particles that get stuck between your teeth and produce an enamel-dissolving acid.
2.) Avoid Over Indulging in Sugar
Toward the end of dinner, you may follow up the savory with something sweet. The dessert of your choice may be filled with sugar. Plaque also eats away at your smile and wears down the top layer of your teeth. Not only that, but certain crunchy options, like pecan pie or peanut brittle, can chip a tooth if you aren’t careful! Instead, limit these options or drink plenty of water to wash it all away.
3.) Steer Clear of Staining Foods
Red wine, cranberry sauce, and berries may be a good addition to have on the table, but they can lead to stains the more you consume them. Although this isn’t necessarily a problem, it may make you self-conscious about your smile. A good way to combat this is by following them with a drink of water or brushing your teeth 30 minutes after having them.
4.) Choose the Right Foods to Snack On
The food that you will be making may take a long time to finish. You may be tempted to snack on some sweets and breads as you wait, but you should keep some washed vegetables nearby. Carrots, celery, and broccoli not only have a crunch that can satisfy you, but they are also filled with nutrients.
It can also be helpful to set aside a specific amount to snack on; that way, you aren’t grazing throughout the day. This can help you fill up just a bit, not enough to be too full before the main course, but so you don’t eat too much either!
5.) Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss
One of the best things you can do after your Thanksgiving meal is to brush and floss. You may be too full to move and ready to take a nap, but bits and pieces from what you ate may be lingering in your mouth. The longer they sit, the more you increase your risk of cavities. Doing your dental hygiene routine afterward can help ensure your smile stays the best it can.
About the Practice
At Dallas Esthetics, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are here to help your teeth stay strong during the holiday season. Thanksgiving may be a great day to indulge in some of your favorite foods, but with preventive care, we can help you avoid any dental problems. If it’s time for your next checkup and cleaning, schedule an appointment or call our office at (214) 827-1150.
