Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you’re probably looking forward to enjoying all of your favorite foods, seeing all your beloved family members, and becoming a couch potato for several hours! That said, the last thing you should want to happen is to develop a cavity as a result of your diet. Keep reading for three tips from your trusted dentist that are certain to help you avoid dental problems this Thanksgiving, while allowing you to eat your fill of all your favorite foods!
Tip #1. Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Feast, but Show Some Caution
Foodies everywhere love Thanksgiving because it’s often heavily encouraged to eat until your stomach’s full—but this isn’t always good for you. It’s true that foods like turkey contain beneficial things like protein, calcium and vitamin D, and fruits and vegetables contain fibers and nutrients that your body needs. But also be mindful of the dishes that contain heavy amounts of sugars and starches: items like cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes, and even your grandma’s stuffing can pose dental issues if eaten in excess (and if you aren’t brushing after you eat). With that in mind, help yourself to seconds if you’re still hungry, but make sensible choices, and don’t forget to brush before bed that evening.
Tip #2. Make Smart Choices at the Dessert Table
It simply wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without dessert; apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and almost every other pie flavor under the sun is enjoyed by many during this holiday. And for those odd few who don’t like pie, there are all sorts of other alternatives. But many desserts, whether they’re a traditional option or not, are loaded with sugar and stick to the teeth until long after dinner is over. While it wouldn’t be in the spirit of Thanksgiving to skip dessert entirely, you can still make smart choices, enjoy things in moderation, and ensure that you’re caring for your pearly whites afterward. One great way of doing this is to opt for mini, single-serving desserts, rather than large, impressive dishes.
Tip #3. Drink (Or Sip) Responsibly
The food isn’t the only thing featured during Thanksgiving—there are all kinds of drinks and beverages to enjoy as well, alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike. That said, you should try to skip the sugary juices, sodas, or ciders in favor of water; it’s the best beverage for your oral health by far, as it can help wash away lingering food particles and debris and encourage your mouth’s saliva flow, helping to prevent cavities. Also be mindful of the effects of alcohol; not only does it usually contain sugar, but it can also dry out your mouth, increasing the likelihood of bacteria wreaking havoc. If you must have something sugary, at the very least try to drink some water immediately afterward!
About the Practice
Our team here at University Dental Group is honored to provide patients and families in Worcester, MA with an unrivaled level of high-quality care! We’re thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, as well as emergency dentistry for those in distress. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange an appointment for you or a loved one this holiday season, feel free to visit our website or give us a call today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 753-1911.