How to Care for Your Smile This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most anticipated holidays all year. Whether you’re looking forward to catching up with relatives, trying out a few new recipes, or enjoying some of your favorite dishes, Thanksgiving is definitely a day that deserves a countdown. However, munching down on your favorite foods all day isn’t the best thing for your smile. Many people end up needing to get dental treatment, like fillings, during the holiday season. Your dentist in Mesquite shares some tips that can help you to keep your smile in good shape throughout the holiday weekend.

Bring Your Floss

Whether you are having Thanksgiving dinner at your house this year or you are heading to another family member’s house, be sure you are stocked up on dental floss. For many families, Thanksgiving is an all-day event. You start out with appetizers, move on to main courses and side dishes, and finish off with some desserts. Take some time to floss between courses in order to remove food debris and plaque from between your teeth.

Make Healthy Choices

Almost everyone loves the dishes that are starchy and contain lots of carbs, but they aren’t generally the best choice for your smile. Keep these dishes to a minimum and save a large portion of your plate open for tooth-healthy, nutritious foods, like turkey and green bean casserole.

Go Easy on Sugary Sweets

For many, Thanksgiving isn’t complete without items like cranberry sauce, gravy, and pecan pie. The problem is that they aren’t good for your teeth. You should definitely keep these delicious sides to a minimum. When you do enjoy one of these foods, be sure to rinse out your mouth with some water afterwards in order to reduce their harmful effects on your smile.

Avoid Wine

A lot of people like to enjoy a glass of wine with their Thanksgiving dinner. However, this beverage is acidic and can lead to both staining and a weakened enamel. Your enamel is vital for protecting your teeth against decay and other oral health issues. If you want to enjoy an adult beverage with your meal, stick to a light beer or a gin and tonic. This way, you can reduce the harmful effects caused by your drink.

You don’t want to spend extra time in the dental chair this holiday season. By being aware and making good decisions this Thanksgiving, you can keep your smile in good shape going forward.

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, you have a team of general dentists and specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics so your family can get everything they need at one convenient location. The team devotes many hours to continuing education each year to stay on top of the latest advancements in technology, techniques, and materials. For more information on maintaining excellent oral health or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (972) 331-5300.