Thanksgiving can be one of the most enjoyable days of the year, but food at a holiday dinner isn’t always the best for your teeth. Between holiday treats like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie, it’s easy to overdo it on the sweets! Luckily, there are some things you can do to keep your mouth healthy during your holiday feast. Here are some tips for keeping your teeth strong and healthy this Thanksgiving season:
Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day to maintain a healthy mouth. Brushing helps remove plaque and food particles from teeth. After eating sugary or acidic foods, it’s a good idea to brush right away. Brushing will also help prevent stains caused by dark foods and beverages.
Keep up a regular brushing routine during the holidays by packing your toothbrush and toothpaste in your purse or bag before you head out the door. This way, you’ll be more likely to remember to keep up with your routine.
Flossing removes food and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. Make sure to floss once a day and especially after you eat a meal high in sugar or starch content. It’s especially important to get in between all of your teeth – not just the ones you see when you smile.
If you wear dentures, be sure to remove them before sitting down for the meal so your gums can rest. When wearing dentures, be careful when biting into certain foods, such as sticky candies that can be difficult to remove from your denture.
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pie are holiday staples this time of year. While these foods are fine in moderation, they can also cause cavities if eaten too often. To combat this, be sure to eat a healthy meal before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Eating a high-fiber breakfast will help keep food particles in your digestive tract longer to keep saliva production high.
Also, limit the number of starchy foods you consume and the number of snacks you have throughout the day. This keeps sugar levels in your mouth low and prevents acid from forming. Acid attacks tooth enamel and causes damage over time.
For more tips about keeping your teeth healthy this season, contact our experienced dentists at Cheyenne Mountain Dental. We can help you schedule an appointment, so you don’t miss any of the fun and festivities this holiday season!
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