Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so there is so much to do! With all of the traveling, cooking, sports, and keeping up with who’s bringing what, this holiday weekend can feel like quite a challenge. The good news is that you have a huge meal to look forward to with all sorts of delicious dishes to enjoy. However, this isn’t necessarily a good thing for your smile. Here are some tips from a dentist in Lawrenceville to help keep your smile cavity-free as you enter the holiday season!
Cut Back on the Sweets
In addition to the platters of savory, salty food, there are plenty of sweeter treats that make their way to the dinner and dessert table. While they are good for the soul, they can attack your protective enamel and leave you with extra plaque or even tooth decay more quickly than you may think. It is a good idea to limit things like marshmallow yams, cranberry sauce, and pies. After you enjoy one of these, be sure to rinse out your mouth to reduce the sugar’s harmful effects.
Limit Your Wine Intake
A common beverage to enjoy with Thanksgiving dinner is a glass of wine. The issue with this is that wine is an acidic drink. When in the mouth, acid breaks down the enamel on your teeth and leaves them vulnerable to harmful bacteria. Alcohol can also limit the saliva that helps to naturally keep your mouth clean. Water and milk are probably the best options. If you are wanting to enjoy an adult beverage, try something less acidic, like gin and tonic or a light beer.
Be Cautious of Hard Foods
Lots of families begin munching on snacks early, including platters of chips, nuts, crackers, or popcorn. Just be extra careful when you’re eating them. Sharp pieces of food can easily get lodged between your teeth and in the gums. By keeping some floss on hand, you can work stuck pieces of food out of your smile.
Limit Sticky Foods
Marshmallows, pecans, and caramel are common ingredients in Thanksgiving desserts, but they are sticky and potentially harmful for your smile. They can adhere to your teeth and remain for long periods of time. This can mean additional plaque and cavities.
Don’t Snack Continuously
It is easy to pick at food throughout the day as you are waiting for dinnertime to come around. Just be sure that you are giving your smile a break so that you don’t leave your teeth vulnerable to bacteria for long. Stick to designated eating times instead of continuous munching. Brush your teeth after each meal.
Show your smile some thanks this Thanksgiving by using the tips listed above. This way, you can enter the holiday season with excellent oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter is an experienced dentist who has been serving patients for well over three decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of dentistry and attending the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, where he completed the Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum Level II. Currently, he is a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and has completed over 1600 hours of advanced training since leaving dental school. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Lawrenceville, visit his website or call (770) 995-7616.