The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing colors, and November is officially upon us. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it! This holiday, we spend our time showing gratitude, reconnecting with loved ones, and getting countless opportunities to feast on delicious food. Even though your belly will be satisfied on this day of indulgence, it can negatively affect your oral health. Luckily, there are many steps you can take to keep your smile safe! Read on as a dentist in Newark shares five ways you can have a healthy Thanksgiving.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
Everyone knows that sugar can wreak havoc on teeth. Any time you eat the sweet substance, the bacteria in your mouth feed on it, producing harmful acids that attack the enamel on your teeth. This process can leave your teeth vulnerable to cavities, decay, and even gum disease. Unfortunately, you may end up eating more sugar than you’d like on Thanksgiving. Thanks to foods like cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pie, it seems impossible to avoid sugar on this special day. Luckily, you can protect your smile by cutting the sugar content in your meal or cleaning your mouth throughout the day.
Choose Your Drinks Carefully
Most people like to drink fruit juice and a glass of red wine with their Thanksgiving meal. However, these acidic, sugary, and alcoholic drinks can harm your teeth by breaking down the enamel and drying up the saliva that naturally cleans your mouth. Instead, opt for water or a sugar-free beverage whenever possible. If you must indulge in a sweet or acidic drink, rinse with water afterward to wash away harmful substances.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Do you get excited when you see marshmallows, candied pecans, and caramel on the dinner table? Even though these foods are tasty, they’re very sticky and can get stuck on teeth, braces, or even dislodge dentures. Since the substance is hard to remove from your mouth, it can lead to tooth decay and encourage plaque buildup.
Be Careful with Hard, Sharp Foods
Snacks like chips, nuts, hard candies, and popcorn can pose a threat to your dental health. The hard and sharp pieces can stab the gums, get caught between teeth, and lodged in dentures or braces. If you’re going to munch on these foods, it’s a good idea to have floss handy so you can clean your teeth afterward!
Don’t Snack Throughout the Day
The amount of food you eat can affect your oral health just as much as the type of food. When snacking throughout the day, you’re continuously exposing your teeth and gums to harmful substances that can lead to dental problems. To keep your mouth safe, stick to a designated eating time and avoid snacking!
Make sure you prioritize your oral health this holiday season. By following the tips outlined above, you can protect your smile and have a healthy Thanksgiving!
About the Practice
At White Clay Dental Associates, we provide exceptional, compassionate, and individually tailored dental care to patients of all ages. Our team will always go the extra mile to help you achieve a healthy, strong, and beautiful smile. For more ways to have a healthy Thanksgiving, visit our website or call (302) 731-4225.