How to Make Your Thanksgiving Feast Smile-Friendly

It’s officially November, which means it’s that time of the year everyone looks forward to – the holiday season! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many families are looking forward to sharing gratitude, reconnecting with loved ones, and (of course) eating. Although this day of indulgence will surely leave your belly satisfied, it can put your oral health at risk if you’re not careful. To help your family stay cavity-free this season, a dentist in Mesquite shares a few ways you can enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving.

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Everyone knows that sugar can wreak havoc on your oral health. Every time you eat something sweet, the bacteria in your mouth feed on these particles, producing harmful acids that attack the enamel on your teeth. Unfortunately, it may seem impossible to avoid sugar completely on Thanksgiving. Cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pie are all holiday staples, but they contain excessive amounts of sugar. Therefore, you should try and cut the sugar content in your meal or clean your mouth throughout the day to keep your pearly whites safe.

Choose Your Drinks Carefully

Do you like to pair your Thanksgiving meal with fruit juice or a glass of red wine? Most people do. However, these tasty beverages can be a problem for your teeth because they’re acidic, sugary, and contain alcohol. Not only can they break down the enamel on your teeth, but they dry up the saliva that helps naturally clean your mouth. Whenever possible, opt for plain water or a sugar-free drink instead.

Avoid Sticky Foods

On Thanksgiving, it’s not uncommon to see marshmallows, candied pecans, and caramel on your dessert. Unfortunately, these sugary foods are sticky and can be difficult to remove from your teeth. When food sticks in your mouth and stays there, it can contribute to plaque and bacteria buildup, contributing to a range of oral health problems. Be sure to eat these foods only in moderation and rinse your mouth afterward. Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth as well!

Be Cautious of Hard, Sharp Foods

Some people like to snack on chips, nuts, hard candies, and popcorn throughout the day while waiting for dinner to be ready. If you’re not careful, these hard and sharp foods can stab the gums, get stuck between teeth, or become lodged in dentures or braces. That said, it’s a good idea to have some floss handy to clean your teeth after snacking on these foods.

Stick to Designated Eating Times

It may surprise you to learn that the amount of food you eat can also have a significant impact on your oral health. When you’re eating leftovers throughout the day, you’re constantly exposing your teeth and gums to harmful substances that can contribute to oral health problems. Keep your mouth safe and stick to designated eating times as much as possible. Be sure to brush your teeth after eating as well!

While enjoying your holiday feast, the last thing on your mind is probably your oral health – but it should be a priority. By following the tips outlined, you and your family can have a healthy Thanksgiving and stay cavity-free all season long!

About the Practice

At Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we strive to give every patient the exceptional, state-of-the-art, individually tailored dental care they deserve. Our team will always go above and beyond to ensure you and your family receive the best treatment possible. For more ways to have a healthy Thanksgiving, visit our website or contact our office to speak to a member of our team.