Kingston TN
For many Americans, Thanksgiving Day is about food, family, and football. As a holiday built around eating, people on Thanksgiving may eat as many as 7,000 calories in that single day! However, that big meal can end up posing a big threat to your dental health. Don’t let this happen to you! Today on the blog, we provide four tips to keep your teeth healthy this Thanksgiving.
Tip 1) Remember to hydrate
When you eat a big meal, or munch haphazardly all day long, the saliva that flows naturally through your mouth does not have enough time to scrub away food particles from the surfaces of your teeth and between your teeth. Any food particles left on your mouth will become potential fuel for bacteria to form areas of tooth decay. That’s why drinking water is your best choice on Thanksgiving; whether during or between meals, drinking water will help to wash off food particles that remain on your teeth.
Tip 2) Keep brushing and flossing
Even during the holidays, you need to maintain your normal daily routine of oral care. Whether you are staying at home on Thanksgiving or heading over the river and through the woods, make sure to keep your toothbrush, floss, and fluoridated toothpaste handy. You may even want to brush your teeth an extra time on Thanksgiving to keep those food particles from building up in the mouth.
Tip 3) Limit your consumption of foods and drinks that stain teeth
Cranberries are a staple of many Thanksgiving Day tables. This fruit also is one of the worst culprits when it comes to creating stains on teeth. Coffee, wine, and other dark-colored fruits also can form those dark stains, so make sure to limit your consumption of these as a general rule.
Tip 4) Limit the sugar and starch
Foods and drinks that are high on sugar also can create a Thanksgiving Day feast… for the bacteria in your mouth that lead to cavities. If you are making the meal or contributing a dish, consider swapping out the sugar for a sugar-free substitute that will not encourage tooth decay. Starchy sides such as cornbread and stuffing also pose a threat, as they feed bacteria the same way as sugar. Eat these sugary and starchy foods in moderation, even on Turkey Day. Instead, load up on vegetables, especially if they are raw. Fresh veggies are full of vitamins and minerals that will strengthen your teeth and improve the health of the mouth.
General dentistry in Kingston, Tennessee
To fully protect your family against the potential threats of tooth decay, you need to find a qualified dental practice to serve your oral health care needs. At LakeView Dental Arts, Dr. James Walmsley and his team of dental professionals can fulfill any of your general dentistry needs. We also offer a range of preventive care services such as fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as advanced and specialized services including cosmetic dentistry and sleep apnea dentistry. If you would like to learn more about our practice, call (865) 376-9687 or complete our online appointment request form.
