If Thanksgiving is your favorite holiday, then you’re in luck! With the tasty day approaching in just a few weeks, there are a lot of ways that people are beginning to prepare, such as last-minute travel arrangements and getting together the menu. Though Thanksgiving includes a bunch of tasty treats, you may end up damaging your smile if you aren’t careful. To avoid this, read on to learn five tips that will help you avoid smile issues this Thanksgiving.
Tip #1: Limit Snacking
When you eat, the level of acid in your mouth goes up. Since acid eats away at your tooth enamel, this means that they are more susceptible to cavities when you’re chowing down. For this reason, it’s important to avoid snacking during the holidays. Instead, wait until it’s time for Thanksgiving dinner.
Tip #2: Avoid Sticky Foods
Sticky foods easily cling to the teeth, which makes them difficult to wash away. This allows oral bacteria to feed on them for longer periods. This will raise your risk of cavities as well as tooth decay. Avoid toffee, caramel, gummy candies, and other foods that are sticky or chewy to prevent this.
Tip #3: Cut Back on Sugar and Carbs
Sweet foods are bad for your smile, but so are starchy, high-carb ones. This is because the oral bacteria that feed on them release acids that damage your pearly whites. To avoid this, make sure to limit the amount of rolls, pies, cakes, cookies, and other sweet or high-carb foods you have this Thanksgiving season.
Tip #4: Be Selective with Your Drinks
Drinks like apple cider, egg nog, and seasonal cocktails are full of sugar. Soda and alcoholic drinks are also acidic. As previously mentioned, this means bad news for your smile. It’s best to avoid these beverages and stick to water instead, but you can also consume them in moderation.
Tip #5: Be Wary of Hard and Sharp Foods
Hard and sharp foods can get stuck in between your teeth and are difficult to remove. It’s best to avoid them since allowing them to stay lodged in between your pearly whites for long periods makes you more likely to experience oral health problems. Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as mashed potatoes and cooked veggies.
The holiday seasons is an exciting time of year, but be sure not to forget about the health of your smile. With the above tips for a healthy Thanksgiving, you can enjoy a bright smile and a tasty meal!
About the Practice
Dr. Tyler Aten, Dr. Simran Saini, and their team at St. Albans Dental treat their Vermont patients with the exceptional care they deserve. They administer treatments like dental checkups and cleanings to keep your smile looking its best all year long. If you want tips for a healthy Thanksgiving, they can give you advice on what foods are the most damaging as well as what to eat instead. To make an appointment with St. Albans Dental or to learn more about the services they offer, call their office at (802) 524-4844 or visit their website.