Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings, and your smile should be high on the list. After all, without a full set of teeth, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the big meal or have long talks with your visiting relatives! As part of showing how grateful you are for your teeth, you can take a few steps to make sure they stay extra safe around Thanksgiving time. Below are 4 holiday oral health tips from your dentist in Long Beach.
1. Keep Dental Floss Handy
Does your family like to stretch the Thanksgiving feast out as much as possible? Then it’s a good idea to keep dental floss on hand so that you can clean your grin whenever you take a break from eating. It can be all too easy for food to get caught between your teeth, and the longer it stays there, the more likely it is to attract bacteria and cause plaque buildup; by flossing throughout the day, you can lower the risk of dental problems developing later.
2. Avoid Sticky Sweets as Much as You Can
It’s no secret that sugary foods can create problems for your teeth, and that’s especially true for sticky sweets like cranberry sauce and pecan pie. These treats tend to stay in your mouth longer than normal, putting you at a higher risk for tooth decay. It’s best to avoid such sticky foods as much as possible if you want to maintain good oral health. If you do indulge a bit, follow up by drinking a glass of water. This will help rinse away the sugar in your mouth before it causes problems.
3. Focus on Protein and Vegetables Instead of Starchy Foods
Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls are all Thanksgiving staples. However, they’re also quite starchy, which means they can put your teeth at risk for decay. During the big meal, try to limit how many of these starchy foods you put on your plate. Instead, focus on eating more turkey and vegetables, which tend to be better for your oral health.
4. Do Not Have Wine with Your Meal
Wine is known to sometimes stain teeth, but unfortunately, that’s not the only way it can affect your grin. It’s also acidic, which means it can weaken and wear down the enamel protecting your teeth. If you want to keep your smile safe, you should pass on the wine and instead pour yourself a refreshing glass of water.
With these tips, you’ll be less likely to suffer from cavities or another kind of dental emergency after the Thanksgiving celebrations. You can simply look forward to continuing to enjoy the benefits of a dazzling, fully intact smile for the rest of the year!
About the Practice
At Dr. Glenn’s Happy Teeth, we help Long Beach families take better care of their smiles throughout the year! We’re happy to see children as well as adults, and we use the latest technology to make sure that we’re offering high-quality treatments. To schedule a consultation for yourself or your loved ones this Thanksgiving, visit our website or call (516) 431-5855.