Are you excited about visiting your loved ones? Looking forward to enjoying a delicious Thanksgiving meal? While there are plenty of things to be grateful for, you might consider appreciating your pearly whites. After all, eating, speaking, and smiling during the holiday season just wouldn’t be the same without them. Keep reading to learn five ways to care for your oral health during Thanksgiving!
#1: Make Sure to Floss
Whether you plan to visit distant relatives or stay at home to catch up with friends, you’ll want to keep dental floss nearby. For most people, Thanksgiving is a special day-long occasion involving a variety of tasty meals. If food gets stuck between your teeth for hours on hours, it can increase the risk of plaque and bacteria, making it more difficult to remove later. Try flossing after every meal to keep your smile free of debris and food particles.
#2: Avoid Hard & Sticky Foods
Do you tend to enjoy cranberry sauce, pecan pie, and gravy? While these might make your dish more enjoyable, they can also stick to your teeth for extended periods, resulting in cavities if left unchecked. You should also be careful with hard snacks like chestnuts and caramel popcorn, which can easily damage a tooth. Chew carefully and be sure to rinse your mouth with water to avoid any harmful effects.
#3: Fill Your Plate with Protein & Veggies
Though you might want to enjoy starchier foods like stuffing and dinner rolls in moderation, packing your meal with protein can benefit your oral health. Meats like turkey contain essential nutrients, such as phosphorus, which promotes strong bones and teeth. Veggies also provide minerals and vitamins that improve gum tissue and overall health, so be sure to fill up on these as well.
#4: Reduce Consumption of Wine & Sodas
Enjoying a glass of wine or soda is one of the hallmarks of a Thanksgiving meal. The problem with this is that these beverages are highly acidic, which can wear down and weaken your tooth enamel. To avoid the risk of developing cavities, consider sticking to a glass of water or milk! If you must drink wine or soda, make sure to rinse it out afterward.
#5: Visit Your Dentist for Checkups & Cleanings
Before seeing your loved ones or enjoying your holiday meal, you may want to schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning. Not only will your dentist polish your smile for group photos, but they’ll also check your oral health and address any growing issues before they worsen. You can enjoy Thanksgiving while avoiding more serious problems like cavities and gum disease in the long run.
Taking care of your pearly whites during the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite meals. Keep these few tips in mind, and you’ll be able to maintain great oral health this Thanksgiving and beyond!
About the Author
Dr. Zach Kingsberg earned his dental doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. He also regularly pursues continuing education to expand his expertise and skills. He provides a wide range of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings, tooth-colored fillings, and gum disease treatment. If you’d like to set up an appointment, visit his website or call 720-640-0272.