4 Tips to Make Your Thanksgiving Dinner Tooth-Friendly

Thanksgiving day is meant for time with family and a spirit of gratefulness. But it just wouldn’t be the same without lots and lots of delectable food! From the juicy turkey and perfectly whipped mashed potatoes to sweet and savory desserts, the festivities aren’t complete without your favorite sides. So, it’s not too surprising that cases of tooth decay skyrocket this time of year, especially since the most candy-filled holiday was only a few weeks ago! Therefore, consider using the below tips for a healthy Thanksgiving for your teeth and gums.

#1. Be Mindful of Your Sugar Intake

Cranberry sauce, candied pecans, and pumpkin pie are just a few Thanksgiving staples that are loaded with sugar. So, while your taste buds may love them, your teeth certainly do not. Fortunately, you can prevent end-of-the-year cavities by simply being mindful of your sugar intake! A few ways you can make this a practical reality is by not going back for seconds and snacking on vitamin-rich foods throughout the day.

#2. Remember, Sticky Foods Are Culprits of Decay Too

Sugar is by no means the only culprit of cavities. In fact, sticky foods (like marshmallows and caramel) can cling to enamel, promoting plaque buildup and decay. Plus, the sticky food particles can get stuck on braces and dislodge dentures! To prevent this from happening to you, consider drinking plenty of water throughout your meal, brushing your teeth shortly after, or avoiding ingredients like this entirely.

#3. Be Careful When Biting Into Hard, Sharp Foods

The last thing you want is for your teeth to come down hard on a nut or seed, requiring an emergency trip to the dentist. After all, Thanksgiving should be spent relaxing with your family, not sitting for long hours in the treatment chair. Therefore, practice precaution when biting into hard or sharp foods, like candy, popcorn, and chips.

#4. Be Conscious of the Amount of Food You Eat

Since Thanksgiving is all about overindulging in your favorite foods, this tip can be difficult to implement. However, it is important to remember that the ingredients and the amount you consume can wreak havoc on your oral health. With this in mind, do your best not to graze on sugary, sticky, or hard foods throughout the day. Instead, stick to designated eating times and complete your oral hygiene routine shortly after.

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, there is no time like the present to be mindful of your teeth and gums. Once you have soaked up all the festivities, make sure to schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist to ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape heading into New Year’s Eve!

About the Practice

The team at New Image Dentistry is united behind a simple mission: deliver high-quality dentistry, create a welcoming environment for each patient, and go the extra mile to help them achieve pristine oral health. Whether you need a routine checkup and cleaning, a wrong bite into your meal results in a cracked tooth, or just about anything in between, their knowledgeable staff can help. So, don’t hesitate to visit their website or give them a call at 210-804-1558.