At Thanksgiving, it’s nice to be grateful for the things that often go unappreciated. For that reason, November is a great time to show your teeth some thanks. There are plenty of hazards to your oral health at the Thanksgiving dinner table, so making a few tooth-friendly choices can do a lot to prevent future issues. Here are some things you can do to make your teeth feel appreciated.
#1: Prepare A Dental Kit
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Going home to see your family can involve long car, bus, and plane trips. That’s not to mention the disruption to your schedule for the time you’re there. With everything that’s going on, it can be tough to find time for your teeth. That said, prioritizing your oral health isn’t that difficult—it just requires a little bit of preparation.
Getting a travel-sized dental hygiene kit can do a lot to help you protect your teeth. You can find these at your local supermarket, or assemble one yourself with all your favorite dental hygiene products.
#2: Go for Sweet Potato Pie
Once Thanksgiving dinner’s done, it’s time for dessert. People look forward to a slice of pie all year, but some kinds are better for your teeth than others. Sweet, sticky pies will coat your mouth with sugar, which can feed the bacteria that live there. Those bacteria secrete a mild acid that leads to tooth decay. Some darker pies, like cherry or blueberry, can also stain your teeth.
Sweet potato pie is not only delicious, it’s also good for your smile. Sweet potatoes are full of Vitamins A, C, and B6, each of which contributes to your oral health. Try some this Thanksgiving; your teeth will thank you.
#3: Schedule a Cleaning for December
Black Friday is when people splurge, so it’s the best time to get yourself the gift of good oral health. Scheduling a professional cleaning is a great move if you’ve eaten a fair amount over the holidays. If you haven’t had one in a while, you might also have some buildup in areas you can’t reach on your own. Your dentist can scrub those away, leaving you feeling wonderfully clean.
Your teeth do a lot for you day-to-day, so this Thanksgiving you might try doing a few things for them.
About the Author
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino opened his private dental practice in 1993, and since then has delivered excellent restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dental care services to each of his patients. He believes that with the right combination of homecare and professional assistance, a great smile is achievable for everyone. Dr. Giamberardino received his DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1985, and he’s been working as a dentist in various places across Massachusetts ever since. If you have any questions about taking care of your teeth, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (781) 396-3800.