There are many things to be thankful for at Thanksgiving: Family, Friends, Health, and a Great Thanksgiving Meal. Just remember a few tips this holiday season to keep those pearly whites healthy and bright throughout the New Year.
- Keep high-fiber fruits and vegetables in your Thanksgiving Day diet. They help remove plaque and promote saliva flow in order to neutralize the acids in your mouth that attack the enamel. Examples include celery, apples, pears, and carrots. Fibrous foods also can take longer to chew, giving your brain time to get the signal that you have had enough to eat.
- Try to incorporate foods into your dishes that are high in vitamins and nutrients that help keep your gums nice and healthy. Some great foods that are high in vitamins and nutrients include Cranberries, Pumpkin, Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes.
- Limit your consumption of sticky foods. These foods take longer to chew, meaning they stay in the mouth longer and increase cavity risk.
- Avoid energy drinks and sports drinks, as they’re very acidic and wear away enamel more than most other drinks.
- Avoid cracking a tooth: use a nutcracker, don’t chomp on ice and stay away from hard candy. If you crack the enamel of your tooth, you risk the urgent need for a root canal and a crown.
- If you are traveling for the holiday, bring a toothbrush with you. The single greatest cause of tooth decay is sugar left on or around the tooth so brush and floss after sugary sweets like cookies and pies.
- If you can’t brush, at least rinse your mouth out with water after sugary treats or drinks to help eliminate the debris and acids from your mouth.
By following these simple Thanksgiving teeth care tips, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while still enjoying your Thanksgiving treats. Happy Thanksgiving!
Riverfront Dental Care
