7 Best Dental Tips for a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving

Who is up and ready for a football match? Followed by delicious whole turkey roast, bread stuffing, marshmallows, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pecan pie, and mulled cider? 

At the end of the year, it’s important to acknowledge our blessings and celebrate life with loved ones. However, taking care of our oral health is equally important, which can take a blow over the holiday season. 

That’s why we are here to give a few simple and easy tips in this blog to keep your teeth and gums healthy during this Thanksgiving. 

1.Reduce sugar intakes

Thanksgiving dinners are well-known for their high sugar. It is best to stick to turkey, sweet potatoes, and veggies. For example, pecan pie, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes can be your teeth’s worst nightmare. They can cultivate bacteria in your teeth. If you can’t resist these sugary meals, make sure to rinse your mouth frequently with water. 

2. Avoid starchy meals

Starchy meals are quiet tooth destroyers. They don’t appear hazardous at first glance, but starch transforms into sugar, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Breaded stuffing, mashed potatoes, potato chips, cornbread, and dinner rolls are popular culprits, and this issue can be rectified by combining them with fiber and protein items. 

3. Shorten the gaps between your mealtime

Snacking throughout the day and delaying your meal time is the worst thing you can do for your teeth. This exposes your teeth to the acids produced by food, increasing your chances of tooth decay. So, set a definite time for supper and snacking, then spend the rest of the day playing games and visiting friends and family. 

4. Safeguard your mouth

Instead of using your mouth to open bottles and crack nuts, use appropriate tools such as a bottle opener or nutcracker. If you have braces, you must be very cautious. Teeth accidents and damaged teeth are more likely during the holidays. 

5. Stay hydrated

Water is one of your finest oral health allies. It aids in the removal of plaque and bacteria from the mouth and stimulates saliva production. Fluoridated water is even better because it neutralizes the acidic effects of certain foods and beverages. Green or black tea is also beneficial since it removes the acid from sugary and starchy foods. Milk, with its calcium and protein content, is another tooth-friendly option. 

6. Brush & floss frequently

Brush and floss your teeth at least 30 minutes after eating. We understand that you may not be at home for Thanksgiving, so carry a small pocket toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you, as it is extra important if you plan to eat sticky, sweet foods. 

7. Book a dental check-up

It is critical that you have a dental cleaning soon following the Thanksgiving holiday. This session will clean the teeth from bacteria and strengthen your smile while treating any dental-related problems.  

If you do these seven things, your smile will stay in great shape. These tips are not just for Thanksgiving but can be a teeth-saver throughout this holiday season. We also advise that you share this information with your family and friends so that they can protect their smiles and maintain good oral health. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about maintaining good oral health, talk to our experts at Bravo! Dental right away! 

Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!