On Thanksgiving Day, you’re surrounded by delicious family recipes and delicious foods that you don’t typically eat all year. While these dishes may be great for a holiday celebration, they can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums! Here are a few tips for enjoying your holiday feast without harming your smile.
Eat Your Favorite Dishes in Moderation
Some foods are more likely to cause damage to or put your teeth at risk of decay and damage than others. However, you can safely consume most of them if you do so in moderation. Be sure to brush your teeth after eating so you don’t expose your teeth to the risk of decay or cavities.
Drink Water
While you may enjoy the sugary beverages that you drink on Thanksgiving, be sure to have a glass of water as well. A glass of water will flush out any food debris that may have built up on the surface of your enamel. This will help prevent decay and keep you hydrated.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
After you eat Thanksgiving dinner, make sure to chew some sugar-free gum. This will increase saliva flow in the mouth which will help kill any bacteria that may be present.
Floss Before and After Your Meal
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth with a toothbrush when you finish a meal, especially one with sticky or starchy foods like Thanksgiving dinner. That’s because eating these foods can increase the amount of plaque on and between your teeth.
If your dentist has mentioned you have “periodontal pockets” in your mouth, you probably have more space between your teeth and gums than the average person. As a result, food debris and bacteria can become trapped in those spaces, leading to gum disease. Regular dental cleanings can also help improve your oral health.
Watch Out for Too Many Sweets
If you are trying to maintain the health of your mouth, you’ll want to keep an eye on how much sugar you’re eating. Candy and sweets are delicious, but too much can knock your teeth out of alignment and increase your risk of cavities. If you’re trying to avoid any dental issues this holiday season, focus on reducing the amount of sugar you consume during each meal.
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