It’s almost the time of year that you have been waiting for. Even if you aren’t looking forward to socializing with your distant relatives, you are surely eager to enjoy and appreciate all of the delicious dishes that everyone brought. After all, there is nothing like a homecooked meal, especially when everyone in your family is contributing. However, Thanksgiving isn’t the best holiday when it comes to your pearly whites. Continue reading to learn some holiday oral health tips to show your smile some appreciation.
Bring Floss
Whether you are staying at home this year or travelling to catch up with friends or relatives, you should keep some dental floss on hand. As for many families, Thanksgiving is a day-long event with a variety of courses. You’re bound to get some pieces of food stuck between your teeth. Between dishes, take some time to floss.
Save Room for Protein
Fortunately, not every Thanksgiving dish is harmful for your smile. While it’s a good idea to limit your portions of starchier foods, like dinner rolls and stuffing, a hunk of turkey will do your smile good! Turkey contains phosphorus and protein. Both are essential for strong teeth and bones. Be sure to load up of veggies as well.
Avoid Sticky Foods
A few Thanksgiving staples include cranberry sauce, gravy, and pecan pie. Unfortunately, these are all damaging for your smile. They stick to your teeth and can cause you to develop cavities. If you aren’t ready to give these dishes up, at least limit your portion size. After you finish up these sides, give your mouth a rinse with some water. This can help to limit some of the harmful effects.
Cut Out the Wine
Do you like the enjoy a glass of wine with your Thanksgiving meal? The issue with this is that wine is acidic. This means that it will stain your teeth and weaken your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities. Having a glass of water or milk is a better option. If you want to enjoy an adult beverage with your food, try sticking to either light beer or a gin and tonic instead.
You don’t have to give up your favorite foods this Thanksgiving, but you should know how they affect your smile. By making mindful decisions and using the tips listed above, you can enter the holiday season with excellent oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 40 years! He earned his dental doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University and has undergone fellowships in forensic odontology at McGill University in Montreal and the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio through the Center for Education and Research in Forensics. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Virginia Dental Association, and numerous other professional organizations. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Stephens City, visit his website or call (540) 869-4377.