Thanksgiving is here, which for many people means hosting family and friends for the annual feast. You’re probably busy planning the big day, prepping the house, and making sure you find all the special ingredients on your shopping list.
Although it’s easy to get swept away in the festive spirit of the holiday, it’s still important to remember to care for your teeth. After all, you wouldn’t want to have to make an emergency call to your dentist. That’s enough to put a damper on anyone’s holiday fun! Instead, keep reading to learn 3 simple tips to keep your mouth happy on turkey-day this year.
Tip #1: Reduce Sugar Intake
If you’re like many others, you’ll follow up your main course with something sweet like pumpkin pie or gingerbread cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth. While it’s certainly delicious, these tasty treats can hurt your teeth. The sugar content attracts bacteria which contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re in charge of the desserts this year, consider swapping sugar for a sweetener like xylitol or erythritol, which don’t cause cavities.
If that’s not feasible, you can choose smaller portions to minimize the sugar you consume. Then, rinse your mouth with a refreshing glass of water so no particles are left behind.
Tip #2: Avoid Foods That Stain
Certain foods are notorious for staining your pearly whites, and many of them can be found at parties and gatherings this time of year. For example, dark drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine contain tannins known to cause discoloration. They’re also highly acidic, which means they can gradually wear down the protective enamel. Eventually, this could result in decay. You might also want to steer clear of the cranberry sauce for similar reasons.
Tip #3: Eat a Variety of Veggies
Your body needs a wide range of vitamins and minerals to keep your bones strong, and that includes your teeth! Because we aren’t able to make certain key ingredients like vitamin C internally, it’s necessary to consume it in our diet. Red and orange vegetables and citrus fruits generally have higher levels of vitamin C which keep your gums healthy. Meanwhile, many leafy greens have plenty of calcium to reinforce your teeth. If there are salads around the table this year, enjoy an extra serving and you might be less tempted to fill up on sugar later.
Now that you know how to prioritize your oral care this year, you can express all the gratitude you feel for your loved ones with a beautiful, joyful smile!
About the Author
At Marvel Dental, our dedicated team of dentists, hygienists, assistants, and administrators provide a wide range of dental services using the latest technology. They strive to provide families with dental solutions that are easy and straightforward. We also offer flexible payment options so that your budget doesn’t keep you or your loved ones from getting the oral healthcare that you need. If you’d like to make an appointment, you are welcome to contact us on the website or by calling (682) 772-3072.