Are you reading for Thanksgiving to come around? Preparing a huge meal with friends and family is a lot of fun and rewarding. However, your smile may not be doing as well during this time of the year. In fact, the holiday season is likely the worst time of year for your teeth. The good news is that there are some steps that you can take to protect them this Thanksgiving. Read on to learn some oral health tips to keep up excellent dental health!
Carry Some Floss
It’s a good idea to have some floss on hand, especially if you’re going to be enjoying so many different dishes. If you’re expecting appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts, you’re going to need a good flossing afterward. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving dinner at a relative or friend’s house, remember to bring some dental floss with you. This way, you can keep your smile fresh between courses.
Pick Protein
Save a decent portion of your plate for healthy foods that are high in protein and other important nutrients. This includes turkey, ham, yams, green beans, and other vegetables. You definitely want to limit foods that are more on the starchy side. This includes stuffing, dinner rolls, and mashed potato dishes. They can easily cling to your teeth and become a breeding ground for bacteria. Ultimately, they will contribute to poor oral health.
Avoid Sticky Sweets
Cranberry sauce, gravy, and pecan pie are all damaging to your teeth. They are definitely dishes that you want to keep to a minimum. This is because sugar feeds acid-producing bacteria that cause cavities. If you want to have something sweet, remember to rinse your mouth afterward with some water.
Limit the Wine
The acid in wine stains and weakens your enamel. This is the outer part of your tooth that protects it from decay. However, once it’s gone, it will not grow back. You should limit foods and beverages that have high acid content, like citrus fruits, juice, coffee, soda, and sports drinks. If you want a beverage other than water, green tea and milk are great choices. If you’re looking for an adult beverage, try a gin and tonic.
This Thanksgiving, be thankful for your teeth! You use them every single day for eating, speaking, and smiling. By using the tips listed above, you can come out of the holiday season with a beautiful, healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Bryan Villescas earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. As part of his further education, he’s had 400 hours of surgical training at the Advanced Dental Implant Institute in San Juan, Puerto Rico. For more information, or to schedule an appointment at his office in Port Charlotte, visit his website or call (941) 627-9900.