Per its name, Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude. Families spend it honoring the blessings they’ve known over the years. Such things can span one’s community, job, physical health, and more. Aside from these, though, you should also give thanks for teeth on Thanksgiving. After all, they let you eat food, chat with friends, and smile widely. Your Medford dentist can even offer some pointers. So, here are four dental tips to help you honor your grin for Thanksgiving.
Be Mindful of Sticky Sweets
Thanksgiving does offer some great desserts – pies, cakes, cobblers, etc. Even if you’re tempted, though, limit your intake of these things. They could easily ruin your holiday smile.
If you didn’t already know, sticky sweets are especially bad for teeth. Their sugar content can easily cause cavities and tooth decay. Plus, they cling to teeth and get extra time to erode your enamel. From there, you’re even more likely to suffer dental wear and tear.
Eat Turkey & Veggies
Of course, you needn’t hold back on all Thanksgiving foods. Eating a bunch of turkey and veggies for your meals is a good idea. By doing so, your oral health will greatly improve.
You see, turkey and leafy greens help your grin. The former has plenty of protein and phosphorus – nutrients that strengthen enamel. Meanwhile, vegetables like carrots, celery, and lettuce are natural teeth cleaners. Better yet, they also feature vitamins and minerals that protect your gums.
Get Extra Cranberries
You may have cranberries as part of your Thanksgiving feast. If so, try to get extra helpings of these fruits this year. They tend to benefit your teeth.
Ultimately, cranberries contain lots of polyphenols. These compounds are very effective at warding off bad oral bacteria. As such, they can delay tooth decay and prevent cavities. In other words, eating more cranberries will get you closer to a decay-free smile.
Keep Floss Nearby
Sure enough, Thanksgiving eating can last all day. You’ll likely have appetizers, main courses, desserts, and even late-night leftovers. To compensate, try to keep some floss handy.
Remember: Food often gets stuck in between your teeth. These untended bits can create plaque, leading to cavities, gum disease, and worse. So, remove the stuck pieces by flossing between meals. You might even hand out floss to others as a family activity.
Given the tips above, it’s easy to give thanks for teeth on Thanksgiving. Go ahead and start now, so you’ll be ready by Turkey Day!
About the Practice
Giamberardino Dental Care is based in Medford, MA. Led by Dr. Anthony Giamberardino, our practice prizes truly comprehensive dental care. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, all tailored to your unique smile! Our office is also equipped for dental emergencies, providing treatments like root canals and tooth extractions. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (781)-396-3800.