It’s officially that magical time of the year everyone looks forward to – the holiday season! From Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas, there are countless opportunities to feast on delicious food. Of course, Thanksgiving is known to be a day of indulgence for many. Although it will surely leave your belly satisfied, your oral health could be at risk if you’re not careful. With that in mind, a dentist in Medford shares a few ways you can protect your smile and have a healthy Thanksgiving.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake
Everyone knows that sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth. Anytime you eat something sweet, cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth feed on the particles, producing a harmful acid that attacks the enamel. Unfortunately, you may end up eating more sugar than you’d like on Thanksgiving. Sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and pie are all holiday staples – but they contain excessive amounts of sugar. To keep your pearly whites safe, see if you can cut the sugar content in your meal. If you must indulge in these foods, make sure you clean your mouth throughout the day or fill up on other non-sugary/starchy foods so you’re less tempted to overindulge.
Choose Your Drinks Carefully
Some people like to pair their Thanksgiving plate with fruit juice or a glass of wine. Although those beverages are certainly tasty, they can pose a threat to your oral health. Sugar, acidic, and alcoholic beverages can break down the enamel on your teeth and dry up the saliva that helps naturally clean your mouth. Therefore, it’s a good idea to reach for plain water or sugar-free drinks whenever possible. If you consume something sugary, acidic, or alcoholic, be sure to rinse with water afterward to wash away any harmful substances.
Avoid Sticky Foods
Do you get excited to see marshmallows, candied pecans, and caramel on the dinner table? Most people do. However, these foods are not only full of sugar, but the sticky residue is more difficult to remove from your teeth. They can contribute to plaque and bacteria buildup, increasing your chances of developing oral health problems like cavities, decay, and even gum disease. Try to eat these foods in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward. Don’t forget to brush and clean your teeth as well!
Be Cautious with Hard, Sharp Foods
Some people like to snack on chips, nuts, hard candies, and popcorn throughout the day while waiting on the feast to be ready. Unfortunately, these hard and sharp foods can hurt your mouth if you’re not careful. They can stab the gums, get stuck between teeth, or become lodged in dentures or braces. So, if you’re going to munch on these foods, make sure you have some floss on hand to clean your teeth afterward.
Don’t forget to prioritize your oral health this holiday season. By following the tips outlined above, you can keep your smile safe and enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving!
About the Practice
At Giamberardino Dental Care, we provide comprehensive, exceptional, individually tailored dental services to patients of all ages. Our team is passionate about helping everyone that walks through our door achieve their happiest, healthiest smile. For more ways to have a healthy Thanksgiving, visit our website or call (781) 396-3800.