The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and the days are getting shorter. It’s that special time of the year where families look forward to sharing gratitude and reconnecting with loved ones. On Thanksgiving, you may be excited to indulge in all your favorite meals and seasonal treats. But if you’re not careful, you could end up putting your oral health at risk. That said, here are a few ways you can protect your smile and have a healthy Thanksgiving.
Cut Back on Sugar
Everyone knows that sugar is bad for your teeth. Anytime you eat something sweet, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the residual particles, producing harmful acids that wear down the enamel. Well, it may be difficult to completely avoid sweets this Thanksgiving. Since foods like cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pie are holiday staples, you might end up eating more sugar than you’d like. Fortunately, you can protect your pearly whites by cutting the sugar content in your meal or cleaning your mouth throughout the day. Plus, if you fill up on turkey and other non-sugary/starchy foods, you’ll feel less tempted to overindulge on sugar.
Choose Your Drinks Carefully
Do you like to pair your Thanksgiving meal with fruit juice or a glass of wine? Most people do. Unfortunately, these tasty drinks can wreak havoc on your teeth. Sugary, acidic, and alcoholic beverages can attack the enamel and dry up the saliva that helps naturally clean your mouth. That said, it’s best to reach for plain water or sugar-free beverages whenever possible. If you must drink something sugary, acidic, or alcoholic, make sure you rinse with water afterward to wash away any lingering substances.
Avoid Sticky Foods
You might get excited when you see marshmallows, candied pecans, and caramel on the dinner table, but these sweet, sticky treats can pose a threat to your dental health. Not only are they full of sugar, but the sticky residue is harder to remove from your teeth. Unless it’s removed properly, it can lead to plaque and bacteria buildup, increasing your risk of several oral health problems. To protect your smile, eat these foods in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth as well!
Exercise Caution with Hard, Sharp Foods
Some people like to snack on chips, nuts, hard candies, and popcorn throughout the day while they wait for the Thanksgiving meal to be ready. Unfortunately, these hard and sharp foods can harm your mouth by stabbing the gums, getting stuck between teeth, or becoming lodged in dentures or braces. So, if you’re going to snack on these foods, it’s a good idea to have some floss on hand to clean your pearly whites afterward.
On Thanksgiving, the last thing on your mind might be your oral health – but it should be a priority. By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your smile cavity-free all season long!
About the Practice
At Granger Dental Group, we strive to improve your oral health and appearance in a comfortable, personalized way. Our highly skilled and experienced team will always go the extra mile to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. For more ways to have a healthy Thanksgiving, visit our website or call (574) 277-4235.