Tips for Teeth Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a great time of year for family and friends to gather and enjoy delicious food. However, Thanksgiving foods can be detrimental to your teeth.

While you’re enjoying Thanksgiving dinner and catching up with family, don’t forget to take care of your teeth! Here are some tips to keep your mouth healthy this holiday season.

  • First, brush your teeth before you sit down for a meal. This will ensure that any food particles don’t get stuck between teeth or on your braces. Be sure to brush your tongue too! This will remove bacteria that cause bad breath.
  • After your meal, rinse your teeth and gums with water to remove any leftover debris. Then, floss your teeth to dislodge any remaining food particles that brushing didn’t remove.
  • Avoid sticky, sugary foods that linger in your mouth for a long time. These foods can get between teeth and break down the enamel on teeth. Choose sugar-free treats like fresh fruit and sugar-free gum instead.
  • Load up on healthy veggies to help fill you up and help balance your blood sugar. Eating a well-balanced diet full of lean proteins and vegetables will help your teeth stay strong and healthy, as well as keep your body weight at a healthy level.
  • Be sure to brush after any meal to wash away food particles and remove cavity-causing bacteria from your mouth. Brushing immediately after you eat can also help remove acids that can wear away the enamel on your teeth. If you do eat acidic foods, be sure to wait at least a half hour before brushing to give saliva time to neutralize the acid first.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. Drinking water can also rinse away food particles and help flush out your mouth. This can help prevent dry mouth and keep your mouth smelling fresh and clean.
  • Most people enjoy a nice, cold soda every once in a while, but you should avoid it whenever possible. Drinking soda is not only bad for your teeth, but it also contributes to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. At the Thanksgiving dinner table, limit your consumption to just one drink or skip it together.
  • If you wear dentures, practice proper oral hygiene by regularly removing and cleaning your dentures.

We hope these tips will help you and your family have a happy and healthy holiday season!

 

Valley Dental Surgery & Implant Center offers expert dental care from our dental team led by Dr. Jamah. For more details and scheduling appointments, call us at (707) 532-2441. You can also book online or visit us directly at 4737 Sonoma Hwy B, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.

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