It may be hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Like many other families, this festive feast may be filled with cranberry sauce, marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, buttery bread, and other foods that are delicious, but not so great for your oral health. Don’t worry – you can find four simple ways to make your Thanksgiving more smile-friendly right here.
1. Start with Vegetables
If you’re waiting (impatiently) for all of the delicious food to be ready, you might be tempted to snack on some fluffy, buttery rolls in the meantime. Instead, reach for some fresh carrots, broccoli, or celery! These vegetables have a satisfying crunch, they are packed with essential nutrients, and they can help prevent you from over-eating once the festive feast is ready.
2. Choose Water Over Wine
The holiday season isn’t just known for delicious foods; it’s known for delicious drinks! Unfortunately, many of them – from peppermint mochas to red wine and hot chocolate – aren’t the most smile-friendly. That’s why it’s best to make your beverage of choice on Thanksgiving water. Not only is it sugar-free, but it will also help you stay hydrated and prevent food particles from lingering on your teeth.
3. Be Selective at the Dessert Table
Of course, the Thanksgiving meal wouldn’t be the same without something sweet at the end. While you don’t have to avoid sugar entirely to maintain a healthy smile, it is a good idea to be mindful of the dessert you select. After all, the crunchy consistency of candy canes, pecan pie, and peanut brittle can result in a serious crack or fracture. So, consider opting for something softer, like pumpkin pie!
4. Brush and Floss Your Teeth When You’re Done
Once you’ve filled up on juicy turkey, gravy-topped mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all of the other delicious foods, you might be tempted to take a nap. Instead, brush and floss your teeth! That way, the residue from what you ate and drank isn’t left alone to linger, increasing your risk of cavities in the process.
Tip: If you are going out of town for Thanksgiving, bring a travel-sized toothbrush and some floss with you!
About the Practice
Our team at New Smile Dental wants you to have a healthy, happy smile, even during sugar-filled holidays like Thanksgiving! That’s why we offer both preventive and restorative dentistry, and we do what we can to be an ongoing resource for our wonderful patients. If you need to schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning, or you have a question for us related to oral health, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (479) 434-4277.