With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many people are making travel plans or grocery lists to host a feast for friends and family. This fall holiday is the perfect time to enjoy catching up with loved ones while sharing some of your favorite autumn foods. Remember, though, that your teeth are essential for basic tasks like eating and speaking, so taking good care of them is important.
Continue reading to learn 3 helpful tips that allow you to indulge in festive flavors this year while safeguarding your smile!
Thanksgiving Tip #1: Go Easy on the Sweets
As the weather cools down outside, things tend to cozy up in the kitchen. Warm apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies are a staple of the season and are full of tasty spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and more that can warm your heart and soul. Unfortunately, they’re also full of sugar which attracts unhealthy bacteria in your mouth that can cause oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease if allowed to flourish.
Although desserts might make your sweet tooth happy, they do nothing to keep it from harm. Try your best to limit how many treats you enjoy, and wash it down with a glass of water to rinse away unwanted germs and leftover bits of food.
Thanksgiving Tip #2: Fill Up on Wholesome Ingredients
You might not realize it, but starchy side dishes and breads are converted into sugars when they interact with saliva in your mouth. That means the more those soft rolls stick to your teeth, the greater the likelihood of getting cavities or gingivitis.
Thankfully, there are usually plenty of protein and vegetable dishes around the dinner table full of ingredients that support your dental well-being instead. For instance, sweet potatoes have plenty of vitamins A, C, and B6 that strengthen enamel, reduce inflammation, and support your gum health. Furthermore, turkey contains plenty of phosphorus, which partners with calcium in your body to build strong teeth and bones.
Thanksgiving Tip #3: Enjoy Alcohol Sparingly
Many people celebrate the season by expressing gratitude over a toast of champagne, wine, or other alcoholic beverages. While these options can give you a pleasant buzz, they can also erode your enamel. Alcohol is incredibly acidic and works in tandem with microbes in your mouth to break down the protective outer layer that shields your teeth.
To preserve your grin, limiting your intake of these adult drinks is best. Otherwise, if you know you plan to imbibe, brushing and flossing 30 minutes before you enjoy your first glass can help prevent potential damage and staining.
Taking these few simple precautions can help you keep your smile happy and healthy all autumn long!
About the Author
Dr. Vidya Kini Kukkundur has 13+ years of experience helping people of all ages enhance their daily quality of life by improving their dental condition. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the New York University College of Dentistry and is now an active member of the American Dental Association and other prestigious organizations. She offers a full array of top-quality services to meet all your family’s needs under one roof. Then, she utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to increase your comfort while providing accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (856) 596-4333.