The holidays have arrived and whether you are heading off to visit family and friends or you’ll be preparing to be invaded by them, one thing is going to play a huge part in the celebration—food!
Follow these healthy dental tips so you can proudly show your smile in pictures. (Photo by Tim Rodenberg https://www.flickr.com/photos/sheriffaj/5211220974)
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to come at the sacrifice of your dental health. Here are some tips on how to survive the holidays with your teeth intact.
Lay off the sugar.
Stay away from sugary foods as much as possible. Sure, you can still have a slice of pumpkin pie with your meal. Just be sure to brush your teeth well when you’re done. Sugary foods take longer to break down inside your mouth. This creates bacteria that are harmful to the teeth and increase the chances of developing cavities and tooth decay.
Don’t graze all day.
A big issue for many on Thanksgiving is the “grazing factor.” This allows acids to build up in the mouth, which can also cause cavities and tooth decay.
Drink water.
Stay away from sugary sodas and sweetened tea as these can also cause tooth decay. Drink plenty of water and also rinse your mouth out with water whenever possible.
Eat a variety.
Pies, rolls, stuffing, macaroni and cheese—these are all popular foods that are loaded with carbohydrates. Mix in a variety of vegetables that can help fight acids from building up and causing tooth decay.
Stay away from hard or sticky foods.
Anything requiring a hammer to break is NOT recommended for your dental health.
Hard foods like nuts or brittle can crack your teeth. When it comes to these, just say no! The same goes for sticky foods like pecan pie that can stick easily to your teeth and be a problem when you try to clean them later.
Don’t forget the floss.
It’s perfectly OK to bring along a toothbrush and brush after a meal to keep your teeth clean. You should also bring along some floss to remove food from those hard to reach areas that can affect your gum health.
Follow these tips to keep your healthy, happy teeth into the New Year!
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