It’s hard to not be excited about the holidays, especially if you’re a fan of food! And this Thanksgiving, you’re probably gearing up to enjoy all of your favorites and other classic staples. However, you’ll still want to be a little careful; as delicious as many of these foods and drinks are, you’ll still want to keep your teeth in mind! Here are some tips from your dentist in Queen’s Plaza to help make your Thanksgiving a little easier on your smile.
1. Minimize Your Sugar Intake
Many traditional Thanksgiving options like sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and more are all very sugar-filled and potentially harmful for your teeth! Even starchy options like mashed potatoes and stuffing can create harmful plaque that attacks your enamel and contributes to dental problems. If you can cut down the sugar content in your Thanksgiving meal by eating certain things in moderation, or at the very least clean your mouth throughout the day, your smile will thank you!
2. Be Careful Around Hard or Sharp Foods
Sugary and starchy items aren’t all you need to worry about; foods that break down into hard or sharp pieces can stab your gums, get stuck between teeth, and even become lodged in dentures, braces, or other oral devices. Be careful around pre-meal snack options like chips, nuts, hard candies, popcorn, and other treats.
3. Avoid Eating Continuously Throughout the Day
It’s not always about the type of food you’re eating—sometimes the amount you’re eating can also pose a threat to your oral health! When you eat extra food consistently throughout the day, you’re continuously exposing your teeth and gums to plaque that’s almost certain to lead to dental problems. You should try to stick to designated eating times instead of grazing throughout the day. Of course, you should also brush your teeth after dinner; don’t give cavity-causing bacteria the chance to develop during your food coma!
4. Be Selective About Your Beverages
If you enjoy a glass of wine, warm mug of cider, or piping-hot cocoa with your meal, you’ll be adding extra acid to your mouth that can break down your enamel! Other drinks, including alcoholic beverages with added sugar, can dry up your mouth and create a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive in. Consider drinking a glass of water with your Thanksgiving dinner—it’s the absolute best beverage for your oral health and can help to counteract some of the negative effects of other drinks.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your pearly whites look and feel their best so that you can focus on enjoying all of your favorite Thanksgiving festivities!
About the Author
Dr. Ishwinder Saran has proudly served patients and families in the Queen’s Plaza area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about how you can protect your smile this Thanksgiving, or if you’d like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Saran’s practice online or over the phone for assistance: (718) 530-6539.