On Thanksgiving Day, it’s important to take some time to be grateful for all of the little things in life. Most people appreciate their family members and friends on this holiday. One thing that many people don’t consciously consider is their teeth. After all, they help you enjoy all of those delicious holiday foods! To help keep your smile healthy for years to come, a dentist in Midlothian shares these four tips for showing your pearly whites some love this Thanksgiving.
1. Stay Away from Sticky Sweets
Some of the most classic, beloved holiday dishes – gravy, cranberry sauce, and pecan pie – are unfortunately not the healthiest items for your teeth. The stickier a food is, the longer it takes for saliva to wash it off your teeth. Bacteria then has more time to feast on the food particles left behind and produce acidic waste, which causes cavities.
You don’t have to completely give up on these treats, but be mindful of how they affect your oral health. To reduce the risk of cavities, swish some water around in your mouth after eating. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help. It stimulates the flow of saliva, which washes lingering food debris off of your teeth and neutralizes the acids created by bacteria.
2. Fill Up on Protein
Similar to sugary foods, starchy side dishes like rolls or stuffing can harm your smile. Starch also sticks to your teeth and provides ample fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Your teeth will thank you if you fill your plate with more turkey and vegetables and avoid eating too much gravy or mashed potatoes.
3. Limit Your Wine Consumption
Not only does wine notoriously stain your teeth, but it contains acids that weaken your tooth enamel. Enamel protects the center of your teeth from decay, and it cannot grow back once it has been lost. Therefore, it’s important to preserve it by avoiding acidic foods and drinks.
While it may look unusual, sipping wine through a straw can help greatly. The beverage zips straight past your teeth, preventing stains as well as enamel erosion.
4. Keep Some Floss Handy
For many families, Thanksgiving is an all-day affair stretching from brunch to late-night desserts. If a piece of food gets trapped between your teeth, it can attract dangerous bacteria. To prevent this from occurring, floss after every time you eat.
In addition to following these simple steps, you can also show your teeth some appreciation by scheduling an end-of-year checkup with your dentist in Midlothian. It can help you start the new year off on the right foot with a healthy, bright smile!
About the Practice
At Marvel Dental, our team of talented dentists is able to meet virtually all of the oral health needs of the Midlothian, TX community. We emphasize a preventive approach to help keep dental problems from emerging in the first place. To learn more about how you can maintain a healthy smile during the holiday season, you can contact our office by calling (682) 772-3072.