The huge holiday meal is, for many, the highlight of Thanksgiving Day. Whether your favorite part is the turkey, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, or the pumpkin pie, chances are you will find something on the table to love. But will that something love your teeth right back? As a day so focused on food, it is easy to believe that Thanksgiving can actually be one of the most harmful days for your teeth. That doesn’t mean you can’t indulge, of course, but there are certain steps that you should take in order to protect your teeth from the worst of the potential damage. What are these steps, you ask? Your Annapolis dentist is here to tell you!
Not all, but some traditional Thanksgiving food favorites are especially bad for your teeth. Think of foods that have strong pigments and colorings, such as cranberry sauce and pies with fruit fillings. These kinds of foods can easily stain teeth, and so it is best to avoid them if possible. Another thing to bear in mind is the sugar content of certain foods- even parts of the main course! Sweet potato casserole and dinner rolls have a high amount of sugar in them and should either be skipped or eaten in moderation. No matter what is on your plate, make sure to drink water while you eat to “rinse” particles off of your teeth.
If you are travelling to a relative’s or friend’s house for Thanksgiving, then you obviously will not have access to your own toothbrush and floss. But one thing that you can do is to bring a small travel toothbrush or some sugar-free gum for after the meal. By quickly running to the bathroom to clean your teeth or chewing on a piece of gum, you will get rid of at least some of the food particles that would otherwise rest on your teeth and allow bacteria to grow. This bacteria can lead to tooth decay and cavities, so be sure to be mindful of it on Turkey Day!
If you want to learn more about Tooth Care from your Annapolis Dentist or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.