Are you ready for Thanksgiving? ‘Tis the season for gathering with friends and family, eating some delicious foods, and enjoying the fall weather. It’s the perfect time of year to take a moment to pause and reflect on all the things you’re thankful for, like your teeth! After all, your pearly whites help you talk up a storm with your friends and family around the dinner table, eat all your favorite holiday meals, and smile whole-heartedly during this special season. Here are five ways to show your teeth that you appreciate them this Thanksgiving!
1.) Choose Smile-Friendly Seasonal Foods
When picking out which foods to put on your dinnerplate this holiday season, consider choosing foods that are great for your oral health, like:
- Turkey: This lean meat is high in protein, low in sugar, and full of vitamin D, which are all great news for your teeth! Turkey and other main dishes like it can help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
- Green bean casserole: Soft, cooked vegetables like green beans, creamed corn, and potato salad provide lots of healthy nutrients without any of the harsh crunch that could potentially weaken your enamel.
- Macaroni and cheese: Nonfat and low-fat dairy products are brimming with calcium, which encourages stronger teeth and a healthier jawbone! Just make sure not to overindulge in starchy pasta.
2.) Be Picky About Your Sweets
It’s common knowledge that overindulging in sugary foods will lead to a mouthful of cavities. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean you have to give up all your favorite holiday sweets! While enjoying the festivities, consider avoiding hard and crunchy desserts like pecan pie, hard gingerbread cookies, and peanut brittle. Instead, opt for softer choices like pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and soft sugar cookies.
3.) Keep Your Smile Fresh & Hydrated
Before, after, and between your meals, make sure to drink plenty of water! Not only is staying hydrated important for your overall health and mood, but it can benefit your oral health as well! Drinking water will promote saliva production, which minimizes the acidity in your mouth. Plus, every time you take a sip of water, you’re washing away any lingering sugars or food particles that would otherwise cause cavities!
4.) Make Time for Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Between staying up late with family, getting up early to travel, and all the other craziness the holidays bring to our daily schedules, don’t put your oral health on the backburner. Brushing and flossing every day is your number one defense against cavities, gum disease, and much more during this food-filled season. Make sure to take the time to floss every day and brush for two minutes twice a day.
5.) Don’t Treat Your Teeth Like Tools
Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they’re not invincible! No matter how excited you are to tear into that page of chips, package from your family, or special piece of mail, don’t use your teeth! Using your teeth to open containers, crack nuts, hold inedible objects, or trim your nails puts you at a high risk of visiting your emergency dentist for a cracked tooth!
What are you thankful for this year? Consider using these five tips to appreciate your teeth!
About the Practice
At Carlson Dental Group, our dentists make a team effort to provide comprehensive, personalized dental care for smiles of all ages in Jacksonville. With countless hours of advanced training and many years of experience, each of our dental professionals is well-equipped to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health at any time of the year! For more tips on keeping your oral health on track during the holidays, or to schedule your last dental checkup of the year, feel free to reach us online or at (904) 262-8409.