Enjoy the Feast, Protect Your Teeth: 5 Tips to Make Thanksgiving Smile-Friendly

The holiday season is often the time when people feel most busy. They are getting ready for the end of the year and making plans with their friends and family. You may even be pulled in so many different directions at once that you may skip some things in your oral health routine. If you are looking to get back on track, then you may wonder how this will work on Thanksgiving. Well, here are five tips to make this day more smile-friendly.

1.)  Limit How Many Starches You Have

Mac and cheese, buttery bread, mashed potatoes, and stuffing are classic options, but they are full of starches. These can spell bad news for your teeth as they feed the bacteria in your mouth. The more you eat them, then you may leave yourself at a higher risk of cavities. Try your best not to overindulge in them!

2.)  Don’t Eat Too Much Sugar

A pie might be calling your name at the end of the meal, but many desserts or sweet sides are full of sugar. Similar to the point above, plaque in your mouth eats the particles that get stuck in your smile and increases your chances of decay.

Not only that, but hard options (like peanut brittle) can lead to a chipped tooth or other damage. Eat them carefully and rinse with your mouth afterward!

3.)  Avoid Staining Foods

Red wine, cranberry sauce, and other berries can be a tasty addition to have on the table, but they can cause stains. While this isn’t technically an oral health issue, this flaw can make you a bit self-conscious about smiling in photos. Drink water and brush your teeth 30 minutes after eating to help reduce any discoloration.

4.)  Snack on Healthier Options

As the food is cooking, you may snack on different foods or ingredients nearby. You may eat some sweets or bread, but consider having washed vegetables handy instead. Broccoli, celery, and carrots have a satisfying crunch that can promote saliva production while being filled with vitamins and nutrients.

Consider having a set amount to snack on, so you don’t graze too much. This can help you fill up, but not too much before you dig into the main course.

5.)  Finish the Day by Brushing and Flossing

Lastly, be sure to do your oral hygiene routine after dinner! While you may be ready to go into a food coma and sleep, take a couple of minutes to brush and floss. This will help clean out your mouth of any food debris and bacteria. That way, you avoid any dental problems and keep your smile stronger for longer.

About the Author

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo earned his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. He is here to help the Homer Glen community throughout their oral healthcare journey. By coming to Dr. DeAngelo for your preventive care, you get to have consistent checkups that help you avoid any serious oral health issues. That way, your grin is the best it can be for Thanksgiving and beyond. If you are due for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call his office at (708) 854-5912.