Thanksgiving is all about good food and family time, but many holiday treats aren’t great for our teeth. Here are some Thanksgiving dental tips to help you enjoy your favorite foods while keeping your teeth safe from cavities.
Enjoy Sugary Foods – Just Go Easy on Them
Thanksgiving is the time for pie, cranberry sauce, and all kinds of sweet treats, but too much sugar can harm your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, making acids that weaken enamel and cause cavities. Try smaller portions, and drink water after eating sweets to wash away sugar. Eating dessert right after your meal can help too since more saliva is in your mouth during mealtime, which helps clean off sugars.
Start with Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth
Many Thanksgiving foods are good for your teeth. Foods like cheese, turkey, and raw veggies help strengthen your teeth. Cheese and turkey, for example, are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which protect your tooth enamel. Eating these foods first can help balance out the sugars and starches, which is also great for your overall health.
Drink Water to Keep Your Mouth Clean
Water is one of the best things for your teeth, especially with all the holiday eating. Drinking water washes away food particles and sugars, which helps lower the risk of plaque and cavities. If you’re drinking wine or other drinks, sip on water too – it can help keep your mouth clean and stop stains from settling on your teeth.
Be Careful with Sticky and Starchy Foods
Foods like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce can easily stick to your teeth, making it easier for bacteria to create acid. Try rinsing your mouth with water after eating these foods. And if you feel food is stuck, keep some floss handy – a quick flossing can help get rid of food stuck between teeth.
End Your Meal with Crunchy Fruits or Veggies
Ending your meal with something crunchy, like apple slices or carrots, can give your teeth a quick clean. Crunchy foods like these help scrub away plaque and make your mouth produce more saliva, which protects your teeth. A few apple slices or carrot sticks after dinner can also be a tasty, natural way to keep your teeth clean.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Drinks
Sodas, cocktails, and juices are tasty but not so great for your teeth. The acid in these drinks can weaken enamel, making it easier for cavities to form. Water, milk, or unsweetened tea are better choices for your teeth. If you do have a sugary or acidic drink, try using a straw to keep it from hitting your teeth too much, and drink some water after to help rinse your mouth.
Keep Up with Your Daily Dental Routine
It’s easy to forget to brush and floss with all the holiday fun, but sticking to your routine is especially important during Thanksgiving. Brushing and flossing before bed helps make sure no food or sugar is left on your teeth overnight. If possible, use toothpaste with fluoride for extra protection. A quick flossing session can help clean out any foods that got stuck in your teeth during the meal.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum for a Quick Refresh
Chewing sugar-free gum after a big meal helps freshen your breath and clean your teeth by boosting saliva production. Saliva helps wash away food and acids that can damage your teeth. Look for gum with xylitol, as it can help reduce bacteria. A pack of sugar-free gum in your pocket is an easy way to freshen up on the go.
Choose Healthier Leftovers
Thanksgiving leftovers often last for days, so try going for healthier options like turkey, cheese, or veggies instead of just desserts. Healthier choices will help your teeth stay strong and cavity-free, and you’ll feel better, too. Even when it comes to leftovers, making a balanced plate can keep your smile healthier.
Schedule a Dental Check-Up After Thanksgiving
With the holidays starting, it’s a great time to book a dental check-up. Your dentist can help spot any early signs of cavities or other issues, so you can enjoy the rest of the holiday season worry-free. A professional cleaning will also help your teeth shine for holiday photos, so booking an appointment now can help you start the new year with a healthy smile.
Enjoy the Holiday While Protecting Your Smile
Thanksgiving is a special time for enjoying food and family, but you don’t have to risk your dental health. With a few simple Thanksgiving dental tips – like drinking water, choosing teeth-friendly foods, and sticking to your brushing routine – you can protect your smile and keep cavities away. These small habits make a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
Sources:
“The Best and Worst Foods for Your Teeth,” University of Rochester Medical Center, https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=4062
“Healthy Thanksgiving Tips For A Tooth-Friendly Holiday,” Colgate, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/healthy-thanksgiving-tips-for-a-tooth-friendly-holiday
“5 Kinds of Food for Strong Teeth,” Listerine, https://www.listerine.com.ph/cavities-strong-teeth/foods-strong-teeth
“Erosion: What You Eat and Drink Can Impact Teeth,” American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dietary-acids-and-your-teeth
“Chewing Gum,” American Dental Association, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/chewing-gum/
