Thanksgiving will be here before we know it! This special holiday is all about family, gratitude, and of course, plenty of delicious food, from turkey and stuffing to your grandma’s world-famous pumpkin and pecan pie. That said, while your taste buds certainly have a lot to be happy about, the truth is, many of these festive foods aren’t very tooth-friendly. However, your smile doesn’t have to suffer at all if you know what foods to look out for and how to take care of your teeth. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Tip #1. Load Up on Smile-Friendly Foods
Thankfully, many Thanksgiving staples are still great for your teeth. Turkey is a lean meat that’s rich in phosphorus, which benefits your enamel. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and broccoli stimulate saliva production and contain vitamins your body and smile need to thrive. Cheese trays and other dairy options have calcium, which also helps your teeth! Be sure you’re including these options when filling up your plate.
Tip #2. Be Mindful of Sugary Sides & Desserts
Things like candied yams, cranberry sauce, marshmallow fluff, and all types of pies are packed with sugar—and many are also sticky, meaning the particles left by them will cling to your teeth for longer periods of time, further fueling cavity-causing bacteria. Even starchy sides like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese can have the same effect if the food’s sitting on your teeth for a while.
Tip #3. Watch What You’re Drinking
Sugary beverages like soda, sweet tea, wine, and other alcoholic drinks or mixers can lead to enamel erosion and dental staining. You should opt for tooth-friendly beverages like water—and you can even add fruit slices to give it some flavor! Sparkling water, milk, and green tea are other good alternatives. If you do end up drinking something sugary, at the very least, try to sip water between glasses to minimize its negative impact.
Tip #4. Brush & Floss After You Feast
After your last plate of food or that final slice of pie, there’s one crucial thing you must do before winding down for the day and going to bed: you need to brush and floss your teeth! Don’t do this immediately after eating, but wait at least 30 minutes to give your enamel some time to recover. Brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and flossing daily is the secret to maintaining a healthy smile, whether it’s Thanksgiving or any other time of the year.
By following these tips and making a few mindful choices this Thanksgiving, you can continue to enjoy the holiday the right way—with plenty of great food—and without worrying about your smile’s well-being!
About the Practice
Under the leadership of the talented Dr. Maryam Bemani, our team here at Advance Dental Clinic has served patients and families in Catonsville and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide selection of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments, including routine checkups and cleanings, to help you and your loved ones manage your dental health year-round. If you have any questions or concerns about the blog or you’d like to schedule an appointment at our office, please contact us online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (443) 251-5580.