Thanksgiving Guide For A Healthy Smile

premier • November 26, 2019

The Holiday season is rapidly approaching and with that means spending more time with family, traveling, and eating all the festive food. With the constant supply of treats, desserts, and snacks it is important to keep in mind your teeth. Here are foods to avoid and enjoy during the holiday season to maintain a clean and healthy smile!

What to Avoid

With the plethora of food choices, there are some that should be avoided to keep your teeth healthy. Keep an eye out this holiday season for some of these foods to ensure your teeth stay healthy and happy.

  • Dried Fruit – Dried fruits may sound like a healthy option but their sugar and stickiness makes them a danger to a healthy smile. Sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than others, and can be missed when brushing. Excessive amounts of sugar are not good for your teeth and can lead to cavities and more.
  • Alcohol – Alcoholic holiday drinks can cause dehydration and dry mouth , which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Excessive amounts of alcohol can also be high in sugar and damage your healthy smile. Try to keep your alcohol intake to a minimum to ensure a healthy mouth.
  • Starchy Foods – According to the University of Rochester , starchy food feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause tooth decay and gum disease. When your plaque is exposed to starchy or sugary foods, acid forms which can break down your enamel.

What to Indulge In

Not all holiday food is unhealthy and bad for your teeth. There are many healthy holiday foods to choose from to keep your teeth safe this season. Here are three foods to indulge in that will help your teeth and smile!

  • Dairy – Bring on the extra cheese because dairy contains cavity-fighting agents that will also strengthen your teeth. So do not be afraid to reach for another cheese cube off that plate!
  • Fruits and veggies – Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber which help fight against lingering food particles and stain that can cause bacteria.
  • Turkey – The main course of your Thanksgiving meal is a great option this season to keep your teeth healthy. Turkey is low in sugar and full of protein, which is great for your teeth.

How to Stay Healthy

One way to keep your teeth healthy this holiday season is being aware of what you are eating and what you shouldn’t be. Your Thanksgiving diet is one way to keep your teeth safe, but so is continuous dental hygiene. To make sure you get all of the potentially harmful food out of your teeth make sure to keep up with your flossing and brushing. The use of mouthwash is an easy way to keep your teeth protected from harmful sugars or bacteria that might be leftover after you brush. Make sure to keep your retainers clean and to wear your Invisalign to keep your teeth in place. It is important to check in with your dentist or orthodontist during the holiday season and not to forget appointments. These check-ups will ensure you are keeping your teeth happy and healthy.

If you are in need of a holiday check-up South Holston Dental can help. At South Holston Dental we treat patients of all ages and offers a wide range of services such as general dentistry, whitening, rehabilitation and more. We are dedicated to making sure every patient is happy with their smile, and if not, we will get you there. For more information visit us online here or call us at (276)466-9800 to schedule an appointment today. At South Holston Dental we will make sure your smile is bright this holiday season!

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