Posted by Gorham & Ammarell Dentistry on Nov 23 2022, 09:50 AM
Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. However, Thanksgiving also poses a lot of challenges to one’s dental health. Here are some simple tips to keep your teeth healthy:
For a healthy smile, try to stick to softer foods during Thanksgiving. This includes foods like mashed potatoes, rolls, and casseroles. Crunchy foods are more difficult to chew, which can lead to broken or chipped teeth. If you must eat something crunchy, make sure to eat it with a meal, and try to give them the crunchiest parts. You can also swish some water around your mouth while you chew to help soften the food before swallowing it.
Also, try to avoid sticky snacks like caramels, gummy candies, popcorn, and hard taco shells that can easily get stuck in your teeth. If you are not able to brush after you eat these snacks, then at least try to eat these types of snacks with a drink of water to rinse away some of the food particles. This can also prevent cavities from forming on your teeth.
Now that the holidays are here make sure to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. It is still important to maintain good oral hygiene even when you are planning to have a big feast. Keep up with your twice-daily brushing and flossing! If you are having trouble remembering this, set a timer on your smartphone so you can be reminded when it is time to brush your teeth.
While you are traveling to see family for the holidays, make sure that you are carrying a small toothbrush and toothpaste with you so that you can easily clean your teeth while you are away from home. Carrying these items will also remind you to keep brushing your teeth twice a day when you are on the road.
Don’t forget to schedule a dentist appointment before you leave for your trip. If it has been a while since you have seen your dentist, now is a great time to schedule an appointment to get your oral health back on track before you travel to visit your family. This way, you will have a clean bill of health when you return home.
Drinking water throughout the day helps to rinse food particles from your teeth and washes away any harmful acids that linger on your teeth after eating. Water also keeps your gums healthy by keeping them hydrated and moisturized. In addition, drinking plenty of water helps to prevent dry mouth, which is when your mouth isn’t creating enough saliva to wash away bacteria and food particles in your mouth. A dry mouth can lead to cavities and other oral health issues if left untreated.
Avoid drinking sodas, sports drinks, or high-sugar juices at your holiday meal. These liquids contain high amounts of sugar and acids that wear down tooth enamel and weaken teeth. If you enjoy coffee or tea, try sipping it through a straw to limit the contact it has with the teeth.
If you indulge in sweets this Thanksgiving, choose healthy choices like nuts, sugar-free gum, or dark chocolate. When you eat sugar, it attaches to your teeth and stays there even after you eat or drink something after. Stick to these snacks for a sweet treat that won’t harm your smile!
To find out more about the dental services offered at Gorham & Ammarell Dentistry, call (615) 327-4914 or schedule an online consultation. You can also visit us at 124 30th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203.
