When you’re counting your blessings on Thanksgiving, a healthy smile should definitely be on the list. After all, it’s easier to get the most out of life when your teeth and gums are in great shape. One way you can demonstrate how grateful you are for your grin is to take good care of it while enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving meal with your loved ones. Below are 4 tips that your dentist recommends keeping in mind during the upcoming feast.
1. Load Up Your Plate with Turkey and Vegetables
You may not realize it, but there are plenty of foods on the Thanksgiving table that can be beneficial for your smile. For example, turkey contains phosphorus, which works with calcium and vitamin D to help strengthen your teeth as well as your jawbone. Furthermore, many of the vegetables served around Thanksgiving – such as carrots and snap peas – can contribute to healthier gums. Do your smile a favor by being choosy about what you put on your plate during the big meal.
2. Beware of Sticky Sweets
Sugar is already less than ideal for your oral health, but it can be especially damaging to your smile if it’s part of a sticky treat that ends up clinging to your teeth for a long time. This Thanksgiving, be wary of any sticky, sugary foods such as cranberry sauce or pecan pie; in the long run, they could end up leading to cavities.
3. Floss More Often Than Normal
Typically, flossing once a day is enough to protect your smile. However, if Thanksgiving is an all-day event for your family, it may be a good idea to clean the spaces between your teeth more often in order to get rid of leftover food particles long before they can lead to major issues. Try to remember to floss every time you finish eating.
4. Skip the Wine
Plenty of people enjoy a nice glass of wine with their Thanksgiving meal. Unfortunately, wine is acidic, meaning it can wear down the enamel protecting your teeth; it can also potentially lead to unsightly dental stains. If you’re trying to make better decisions for your oral health, you may want to skip the wine this year. Instead, enjoy an extra glass of water that can help rinse away food particles and harmful oral bacteria.
The tips above can go a long way toward keeping your smile safe during Thanksgiving. Of course, if you do happen to notice any problems in your mouth in the days following the celebration, you can always call your dentist to schedule an appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Timothy Ganfield went to Temple University for his dental education and completed a residency in general dentistry at Christiana Care Hospital. His Newark practice, White Clay Dental Associates, accepts patients of all ages and offers a wide range of dental services under a single roof. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ganfield before or after Thanksgiving, visit his website or call (302) 731-4225.