Thanksgiving is upon us, and you’re probably looking forward to enjoying all your favorite traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, seeing all your beloved family members, and becoming a couch potato following an epic meal! That said, the very last thing you should want to happen this Thanksgiving is for you to develop a cavity as a result of your diet. Continue reading below for a few tips from your dentist that can help you protect your smile this Thanksgiving without having to sacrifice any of your culinary enjoyment!
Tip #1. Enjoy Your Feast Responsibly
Thanksgiving and delicious food go hand-in-hand; the holiday is arguably built upon the foundation of enjoying great food with great company. With that in mind, don’t just think about filling your stomach when you sit down to eat; think about the impact your meal will have on your teeth! Be mindful of certain side dishes that are particularly starchy or sugary; things like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce can all pose issues for your teeth if eaten in excess. On the other hand, certain items like turkey are great sources of protein, and hearty fruits and vegetables can give your body the nutrients it needs. But regardless of what you eat, be sure to brush and floss afterward!
Tip #2. Drink Plenty of Water
It’s not just about the food during Thanksgiving—every beverage that you consume also has the potential to impact your oral health! During this time of year, there are all sorts of delicious drinks and concoctions being passed around: apple ciders, wines and cocktails, hot chocolate, eggnog, and many others. These options tend to have high sugar content, and the ones with alcohol can dry out your mouth and inhibit your saliva flow, further increasing the risk of cavities. You should try to drink water whenever you can this Thanksgiving; it’s the healthier option, and drinking it after dinner can also help to rinse your mouth out.
Tip #3. Don’t Overdo Dessert
Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without dessert—whether you’re a fan of pumpkin pie, pecan pie, cherry pie, or something else sweet, there’s always something delicious waiting for us at the end of dinner. But many desserts, whether they’re a traditional option or not, are loaded with sugar and can leave residue stuck on the teeth long after you’ve finished eating. It would be tough to skip dessert entirely during Thanksgiving—but you can make sensible choices and enjoy things in moderation. Maybe skip the scoop of ice cream on top of your pie, and try to avoid snacking on something sweet right before bedtime.
About the Practice
Collinsville Dental Associates has proudly served patients and families in Collinsville, VA for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatments, as well as emergency dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, you can contact the practice’s team through their website or by phone for assistance. Telephone: (276) 218-8186.