Thanksgiving dinner is a time-honored tradition in America that commemorates all the things we’re grateful for. It’s a smorgasbord of savory and sweet fare that can delight the palate and lead to a nice nap after the meal. Unfortunately, not all of the foods at the Thanksgiving feast are as healthy for your teeth as others. Here are a few tips to keep your Thanksgivin from leading to tooth decay and other oral health problems down the line.
Skip the Sugary Sweets
A traditional Thanksgiving spread can include some sweeter fare such as pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole. While these can be tasty treats, the sugar they contain can feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. To make matters worse, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, and marshmallows can all get stuck in the teeth so they can provide shelter along with food to these same bacteria.
If you must have your sweets this Thanksgiving, remember to follow them with a tall glass of water. Water is great for your teeth because it contains no sugar or acid and it helps wash away sugary residues and food debris. This makes it a great way to control how much sugar your teeth are exposed to during meals.
Watch What You Drink
Water is the most teeth-friendly beverage available. However, many people like to indulge in other libations during Thanksgiving dinners. Sugary sodas are despised by dentists across the world because they deliver a payload of acid and sticky, sugary syrup straight to your enamel. Beverages that are heavy in pigments and dyes can cause stains and discoloration in the teeth over time. Some of the worst offenders include coffee, red wine, white wine, and colas. Be sure to chase any beverage that isn’t water with a nice glass of water to help dilute any ingredients that can harm your teeth.
Eat Your Veggies
Vegetables are some of the best foods for your teeth. They are rich in nutrients that promote good oral health and are low in sugars and other chemicals that can cause harm to the teeth. Carrots and many other vegetables can actually help clean your teeth during the chewing process because their fibrous, crunchy texture allows them to scrape plaque and food debris away from your teeth without harming the enamel.
Your Thanksgiving feast shouldn’t contribute to cavities or toothaches later. By keeping these tips in mind and seeing your dentist as recommended, you can keep your smile healthy and ready to enjoy another feast when next Thanksgiving comes around.
About the Practice
918 Dentist is dedicated to building and preserving the beautiful smiles of Glenpool and Sperry, OK. Led by Drs. Dalia Georgy and Parnam Mohanna, the staff at each of the three locations creates a comfortable, welcoming environment while delivering measurable results. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, pediatric, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on keeping your teeth healthy during Thanksgiving dinner, contact the office online.