Between the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes and the cranberry sauce, Thanksgiving dishes are often packed with sugar. Since sugar is one of the leading causes of cavities, it’s easy to see why so many patients develop tooth decay during the last few months of the year. The good news is that there are several ways you can keep your smile healthy, starting with a few intentional steps on turkey day. With this in mind, here’s how to make your Thanksgiving tooth-friendly!
1. Sip on Water Throughout Your Meal
Instead of choosing a fizzy soda, mulled wine, or spice cider to pair with your meal, opt for water. Doing so will help prevent dry mouth, keep you hydrated, and prevent food particles from clinging to your teeth. Plus, it can help prevent stubborn stains from surfacing as well!
2. Fill Your Plate with Vegetables First
If your Thanksgiving feast includes vegetables like cooked green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, and steamed carrots, then fill your plate with those first! Even if the butter, creamed soup, and other ingredients make them a little less healthy than usual, the vitamins and nutrients in the vegetables can still help keep your teeth and gums decay and infection-free.
3. Don’t Go Overboard on Dessert
With so many desserts to choose from – including creamy pecan pie, sweet apple tarts, and crunchy caramel popcorn – you might be tempted to over-indulge on Thanksgiving. However, even on holidays, the sugar in the foods you eat can increase your risk of tooth decay. So, while you can certainly enjoy some of your favorite treats, try not to consume sugar in excess.
4. Chew on Sugar-Free Gum After Your Meal
Although brushing and flossing your teeth after each meal is certainly ideal, it isn’t always realistic, especially if you are hosting people or celebrating Thanksgiving at a loved one’s house. In that case, try chewing on some sugar-free gum instead! Although it’s not a replacement for brushing your teeth, it can dramatically reduce your chances of developing cavities since the increased saliva production will remove lingering food particles from your teeth.
5. Complete Your Oral Care Regimen Before Bed
No matter how drained you feel after entertaining, traveling, or cooking, you need to complete your oral care regimen before getting into bed. If you don’t, then everything you ate during Thanksgiving will linger on your teeth and gums, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease.
About the Practice
Our team at Longmont Complete Dentistry is proud to have 5 stars on Google, and we are committed to continuing to serve each and every patient with the caliber of service they deserve. Part of that is being here to answer questions and provide tips, including sharing realistic tips for keeping your smile healthy during the holidays. If you want to learn more or you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (303) 772-7000.