As Thanksgiving nears, you’re likely thinking of your life’s blessings. That’s only natural – the holiday (per its name) is all about giving thanks! So, you might want to honor your friends, family, health, job, and more. Aside from these things, though, take time to appreciate your teeth this Thanksgiving. Your pearly whites help with many tasks, including the feast you’ll soon have! Luckily, your Dallas dentist can offer some pointers. Here are four great ways to honor your grin for Thanksgiving.
Eat Mouth-Healthy Side Dishes
Yes, you’re free to eat turkey and other meats on Thanksgiving. That said, don’t forget to have good side dishes as well. Some of these can strengthen your oral health.
In particular, try to fill up on standard veggie sides. Green beans are high in vitamin A – a nutrient that keeps mouth tissues vibrant. Meanwhile, crunchy carrots and celery can remove plaque from your smile. The result would be a reduced risk of cavities and gum disease.
Lay Off the Desserts
Without question, Thanksgiving has tasty dessert options – pies, cakes, cobblers, and more. Still, you should try to lay off these sweets. They’ll ruin your grin otherwise.
You see, sticky Turkey Day sweets are harmful to teeth. They contain high amounts of sugar, which causes cavities and other forms of tooth decay. Worse, their texture ensures they cling to your smile over time. That means they have more opportunities to wear down your enamel.
Go Easy on Coffee & Wine
For many families, coffee and wine are traditional (if contrasting) Thanksgiving drinks. Even so, it’s best to go easy on them this year. Your smile will thank you for doing so.
To be clear, both coffee and wine can hurt your grin. Each one has acids that are known to erode tooth enamel. Worse yet, either beverage could stain your teeth and thus ruin your good looks. You’d then face bad holiday photos and awkward chats with friends and family.
Book a Pre-Thanksgiving Checkup
Despite your best efforts, Thanksgiving meals can damage your chompers. After all, they lead you to eat appetizers, mean courses, and leftovers all day long. Therefore, see your dentist before the big day.
Remember: Dentists offer the best oral preventive care. They can diagnose and treat smile issues before things get worse. As such, seeing one before Thanksgiving will keep your feast from causing problems. Your teeth will be clean and robust enough to withstand the all-day eating.
If you follow the tips above, you’ll greatly appreciate your teeth this Thanksgiving. That being the case, memorize them now while you still can!
About the Author
Dr. Mariya Barnett is a qualified dentist based in Dallas, TX. Having earned her DDS from the University of Michigan, she’s very well-versed in comprehensive dental care. Her expertise spans preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency treatments. She and her team also pride themselves on being certified providers of Invisalign® clear aligners. Dr. Barnett currently practices at her self-titled clinic and is reachable on her website or by phone at (469)-874-0469.
