It’s hard not to love Thanksgiving. Few things can beat a home-cooked meal and falling asleep to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or The National Dog Show. Unfortunately, many of the cozy favorites served during this holiday pose dangers for your oral health. Acidic cranberry sauce and sodas can wear down enamel, stuffing starches contribute to bacteria growth, as do sugary pies…even a glass of wine could stain your smile.
Thankfully, November doesn’t have to end on an unhappy note for your teeth! Follow these tips, and you’ll help your oral health survive Thanksgiving dinner.
Prepare With Pre-Game Brushing
Good oral hygiene is one of the best ways to promote healthy teeth, but it’s not going to be as helpful if you only brush and floss the morning of Thanksgiving! Get into the habit of cleaning your teeth (and tongue) twice daily in the weeks leading up to “the big feast.” That way you’ll mitigate bacteria build up more effectively and fortify your pearly whites for maximum turkey-day protection.
Balance Your Meal Wisely
It’s tempting to pile your plate high with your traditional favorites, but too much of any one food group is going to leave your teeth vulnerable to the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Pay special attention to your sugar and acid intake, and be sure to balance your starches with nutrient-rich foods, such as:
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Lean meat
- Crunchy vegetables
Also, it might look strange to your relatives, but drinking wine through a straw will help you avoid smile stains!
Follow Up with A Professional Cleaning
These practices will help you and your teeth get through Thanksgiving itself, but cleaning up the “aftermath” is important for oral health maintenance, too. After eating a big family meal like that, you’re likely to develop hardened bacteria film on your pearly whites – in other words, plaque and tartar.
These two substances are difficult to remove at home. They’re no match for your dentist, however! Schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dental care provider once the dust settles. They’ll help you take care of any post-Thanksgiving dental disasters, and make sure your oral health is in tip-top shape for the next round of holidays!
About the Author
As a family man, Dr. John White understands the importance of enjoying Thanksgiving traditions, but as a dentist, he also knows how important it is to stay on top of your oral health during the holidays! He and his friendly team are here to help you protect your smile with quality preventative services and personalized dental care tips. If you’d like a checkup and cleaning before or after your Thanksgiving feast, give Dr. White’s office a call at 828-684-3020.