Thanksgiving is that one day of the year dedicated to being grateful for all the things we have. Across America, families and old friends will sit together at a dinner table to catch up on the past year and reflect on their good fortune. When you consider that you’ll probably be digging into a heaping plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole, your teeth are going to be doing a lot of work on this holiday. Here are a few ways you can show your teeth some gratitude by taking excellent care of them.
Enjoy Plenty of Protein and Veggies
Starchy foods like stuffing and mashed potatoes can be harmful to your oral health. Starch, like sugar, can stick to your teeth where it feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Turkey, on the other hand, is full of protein and other nutrients that help keep teeth strong. Vegetables are another great option because, in addition to being a great source of all sorts of vitamins and minerals, their soft-yet-fibrous texture can help clean your teeth as you chew.
Limit Your Intake of Sweet and Sticky Foods
In addition to all the savory fare on the table during Thanksgiving, there are a few items that are a little too sweet and sticky to receive dentists’ approval. Cranberry sauce and pies of the pumpkin, apple, and pecan varieties are full of sticky sugars that can cling to your teeth and feed harmful bacteria. You might want to try some alternative desserts such as rice pudding or fruits dipped in dark chocolate for a sweet finish that won’t risk harming your teeth.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Food comas are no excuse for neglecting to clean your teeth after the feast. Every day, you should brush, floss, and use antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate plaque, food debris, and bacteria. You should brush your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and gentle, circular strokes. Flossing is equally important because it can clean the areas where a toothbrush cannot reach, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash will eliminate more than 99% of the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease. This is a routine that will keep your teeth happy and healthy all year.
When you’re thinking of all the things you’re grateful for before Thanksgiving dinner begins, give some thought to everything your teeth do for you. Be sure to enjoy the feast, but remember that your teeth have to last you for many more feasts to come.
About the Practice
Marvel Dental of Burleson provides the best oral health treatments available in Burleson, TX. Led by Drs. Jay Oza, Hizamar Escobedo, William Starck, and Anh Yo, the staff is dedicated to building lasting patient relationships based on trust and respect. Areas of expertise include preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more information on how to take care of your teeth this Thanksgiving, contact the office online or dial (817) 933-3883.