Family, food, and fun! Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year to enjoy our loved ones, partake in delicious meals together, and smile brightly as you give thanks. With all the pearly whites beaming around the dinner table, it is a good time to also show them some appreciation, too! Your dentist in Mangum is here to tell you five ways to show your smile some Thanksgiving love!
#1. Keep Floss on Hand
Consistently flossing your teeth plays a very important role in a healthy smile. It removes food particles, bacteria, and other unwanted debris from between your teeth. Without removing leftover gunk, you leave your pearly whites susceptible to plaque and decay, which leads to cavities. Thanksgiving festivities can be an all-day affair of eating, so it’s a good idea to have floss on hand. Make sure you clean your teeth each time after you eat to reduce any potential buildup. You can even get your loved ones to participate by handing out floss to everyone between meals!
#2. Be Mindful of Sticky Sweets
There always are so many pie choices at Thanksgiving! From pumpkin to apple to pecan, there are so many tasty desserts to partake in. Unfortunately, these classic holiday pies can wreak havoc on your smile. They’re sticky and sweet – a bad combination for your teeth. While you can still indulge in a bit of pie, it is best to rinse your mouth with water afterward to remove sugar and prevent it from sticking to your teeth and gums.
#3. Eat Lots of Protein and Vegetables
While there are plenty of tempting dishes and desserts to enjoy at Thanksgiving, remember to add in the turkey and vegetables! These yummy holiday staples decrease your risk of cavities and decay. In addition, eating plenty of protein and veggies will help keep you full without damaging your smile.
#4. Grab an Extra Scoop of Cranberries
Did you know that cranberries can benefit your oral health? They help delay tooth decay because they contain polyphenols, which are known to ward off harmful cavity-causing bacteria. As you fill your plate with some protein-filled turkey, consider serving yourself an extra scoop of cranberries to go with it!
#5. Limit Your Wine Intake
Wine can not only cause your smile to be less bright due to its ability to stain your teeth, but it can also weaken your enamel. Your tooth enamel is essential for protecting your teeth from decay and unfortunately, it never grows back once it is gone. By reducing your wine intake, you can protect your pearly whites and keep them stain-free.
Are you ready for your Thanksgiving? With these dental health tips, you can keep your smile healthy and bright this holiday season!
About the Author
Dr. Dustin Lively has been serving Magnum and surrounding communities for 25 years. With over 250 reviews with a 5-star rating on Google, his goal is to help you build a healthier and happier smile! To achieve that smile, he provides a broad range of services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To show appreciation to your pearly whites, schedule a checkup and exam through his website or call (580) 563-6048.