With Thanksgiving right around the corner, you may be wondering how you can safeguard your smile from all those tempting treats that come along with your turkey. Here are some festive foods that you should avoid, or at very least limit to maintain your oral health and keep your gorgeous grin looking and feeling its best all year long!
Cut. It. Out.
While the turkey is typically the star of most Thanksgiving meals, the side dishes are often the real MVPs. Unfortunately, however, they’re usually packed with carbohydrates, which can be terrible for your teeth. That’s because those nasty oral bacteria that live in your mouth love them, too, and create an acidic biproduct that can harm your enamel while they’re feasting. Thus, to reduce your risk of cavities this season, try to limit the carbs by choosing vegetables, nuts, or cheese as a side, and be sure to brush and floss well after you’re done!
No Bones About It
There’s something to be said for strolling the renaissance fair with a giant turkey leg in your hand. Unfortunately, however, accidents can happen and those bones are responsible for their fair share of chipped or cracked teeth. Thus, if you have access to utensils and can enjoy your Thanksgiving bird with a fork and knife, it’s best to cut it up and take reasonable bites to avoid a trip to the emergency dentist!
No Wining
Alcoholic beverages like wine and beer are often raised in celebration at special occasions like Thanksgiving. However, while they’re perfectly fine in moderation, they are also very acidic, which can be dangerous to your tooth enamel. Thus, if you’re worried about protecting your smile, skip the alcohol this Thanksgiving, or do your best to keep your teeth clean by drinking from a straw and alternating sips of your beverage of choice with a glass of water.
Just Desserts
No holiday meal would be complete without dessert, but unfortunately some sweets are more dangerous than others. While pecan pie packs a staggering 31 grams of sugar per serving, pumpkin pie weighs in at only 25 grams and is loaded with vitamin A, which is good for your gums. Other options that may be more beneficial to your smile include a variety of cheese, which not only contains protein, but may also neutralize plaque acid and restore calcium and phosphorous which strengthens the enamel of your teeth!
Remember, ‘tis the season to be thankful and appreciate everything positive in your life, including your beautiful, healthy smile. So, this year, don’t sacrifice your oral health for a few moments of indulgence. Make smart choices with your meals, brush and floss regularly, and if it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup and cleaning, be sure to book your next appointment before your dental insurance benefits reset on January 1st!
About Our Practice
At Sachse Family Dentistry, Dr. Rottman and Dr. Herrera are thankful that you’re a patient and want to help protect your gorgeous grin for years to come! If it’s been a while since your last checkup and cleaning, now is the time to book your appointment before the clock strikes midnight and your dental insurance benefits reset on January 1. To schedule your next visit, stop by our website or give us a call today at 972-848-0073.