Right out of Halloween and into the next holiday of indulgence! Thanksgiving is a time for food, friends, and good times around the dinner table. But all that fun doesn’t have to come at the expense of your dental health.
If you want to strive for a cavity-free celebration this season, continue reading. With these five tooth-friendly tips, you’ll keep your Thanksgiving dinner delicious and gentle on your pearly whites.
1. Balance Your Plate
When crafting your Thanksgiving plate, aim for a well-balanced mix of foods. Include vegetables and fruits to stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and cleanse your teeth naturally. Starches should have a smaller area on your plate due to their tendency to speed up bacterial growth in your mouth.
2. Choose Whole Foods
If you’re planning the food this year, try to choose minimally processed foods over their sugary and starchy cousins. Whole foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins like turkey, not only contribute to overall health but also reduce the risk of sugar-related tooth decay. Whole foods are full of nutrients that benefit both your body and your smile.
3. Avoid the Sticky Stuff
While it’s tempting to dive into the plethora of sweet treats during Thanksgiving, be mindful of what you’re putting in your mouth. Sticky and sugary desserts can cling to your teeth, creating the perfect environment for cavities. If not having sweet treats at your family gathering is blasphemy, opt for fruit-based treats with less processed sugar.
4. Take it Easy on the Acid
There are plenty of foods and beverages you can drink on Thanksgiving that have acidic chemicals. Wine, coffee, cranberries, and pickles are all on the lower end of the pH scale. Higher acid means weakened tooth enamel that could more easily decay.
5. Water it Down
There is nothing more important to your dental health concerning food than water. It’s an essential nutrient that your body needs to function, but it’s also the best solvent for acid, sugar, and plaque. Drinking water throughout your meals will keep your teeth relatively free of food particles and wash away any buildup that may be clinging to your pearly whites.
If you’re trying to cut down on cavities this holiday season, these five tips will go a long way in helping you achieve that. After the festivities are over, go see your dentist just to make sure. They can perform a thorough dental exam and catch any problems that may have resulted from your love of pumpkin pie.
About the Practice
Dr. Angela Courtney and Dr. Christy Cox are ready to make your smile dreams a reality at Artistry Smile Center. Their facility is geared toward making every visit relaxing and easy. Their state-of-the-art facility uses the latest dental technology to make your treatment convenient and affordable. To schedule an appointment, call (614) 451-7393 or visit the website to learn more. Happy Thanksgiving!