Thanksgiving: Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Holiday

Ah, Thanksgiving: a day of turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and sweets like pecan or pumpkin pie. Although a happy occasion to celebrate all that you are thankful for, your family dentist will tell you the holiday can be hard on your teeth, as many of the favorite dishes are high in sugar or tend to be the starchy sort that clings to the teeth. You can still have a delicious feast with a few slight modifications to the menu.

Give Your Mouth a Head Start with These Healthy Starters:

Appetizers of raw vegetables, cheese and mixed nuts are a good choice for your teeth. All of these increase saliva production, which helps to wash away the bacteria that might otherwise increase the risk of cavities. With nuts and cheese, you get the additional benefit of calcium and other minerals that help strengthen your teeth.

Let These Fruits Fight for You:

Cranberry sauce might be a decay-fighter, according to some new research from the University of Rochester. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar to create plaque, the thick, sticky substance on your teeth that promotes tooth decay. Researchers found cranberries can disrupt the enzymes used by these bacteria. Acid in the mouth is another decay-promoter, but fresh pears can neutralize that acid. Try some sliced pears in a fruit salad (skip the sugar and rely on the fruit’s natural sweetness) or drizzled with just a little honey as a seasonal dessert.

Be Thankful for These Drink Options:

Tap water and tea help keep the teeth clean. Green and black tea can also kill bacteria, so they’re a good choice for a holiday beverage. For the adults, red wine is another drink that attacks bacteria in the mouth.

Keep It Clean:

Don’t neglect your regular routine of oral care during the holidays, as the bacteria aren’t going to take the day off. Ideally, if you are traveling for Thanksgiving, you have a toothbrush and floss stashed away in your purse or car glove box. But even if you’re dining away from home, take a few minutes after the meal to rinse your mouth with water. That will help hold you until you get home and can floss and brush your teeth. If you have any questions about how to care for teeth, call us at Kingsland Dental Group or schedule an appointment for your regular cleaning!

Happy Thanksgiving!