One of the biggest highlights of Thanksgiving is the delicious foods you’ll likely get to enjoy. Whether you enjoy the staple turkey, stuffing, or pumpkin pie, you can be sure your teeth are going to be working overtime. For this reason, the holiday season is a great time to show how much you appreciate your pearly whites. Keep reading to learn five tips on caring for your teeth this Thanksgiving from your dentist in Collinsville!
Tip #1: Keep Dental Floss Handy
Flossing is one of the most crucial ways to clean your smile and prevent gum disease. This will effectively remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Since you’ll be eating plenty of food on Thanksgiving, it’ll be a good idea to keep dental floss on hand, especially after finishing a meal.
Tip #2: Stay Clear of Sticky Sweets
Do you tend to devour a sizable pumpkin or pecan pie during the holidays? While many of these treats make for an enjoyable Thanksgiving, they’re also sticky and can wreak havoc on your oral health. The pieces can get stuck between your teeth and, if left for extended periods, can increase the risk of issues like cavities, gum disease, and infection. To avoid these complications, simply minimize how much of these sticky sweets you eat or rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Tip #3: Minimize Your Wine Intake
While drinking a glass of wine may be a hallmark of a Thanksgiving meal, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. On top of being able to discolor your smile, they’re also highly acidic, meaning they can erode and weaken your enamel over time. If left unchecked, this can make your teeth more vulnerable to bacteria and infection. Reduce your intake of wine and you should be able to preserve a healthy and stain-free smile.
Tip #4: Get an Extra Scoop of Cranberries
Did you know cranberries can benefit your pearly whites? This tasty food can help prevent tooth decay due to the polyphenols they contain, which are essential for fighting against cavity-causing bacteria. Be sure to grab an extra scoop of cranberries during mealtime to make the most of its teeth-preserving effects.
Tip #5: Visit Your Dentist for a Checkup & Cleaning
If you haven’t already, be sure to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning with your dentist before Thanksgiving. Not only will they polish your teeth, but they’ll also assess your oral health and address any developing concerns they might find. By ensuring your smile is cavity-free, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the holidays with clean and healthy teeth.
You can go all out on Thanksgiving without having to put your teeth at risk. Practice these few tips, and you’ll be sure to make the most of your oral health for many years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Christopher A. Payne received his dental doctorate from the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. He’s also a proud member of several organizations like the Virginia Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He offers a wide range of high-quality services, including tooth-colored fillings, periodontal treatment, and oral cancer screenings. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 276-647-1494.