4 Ways to Appreciate Your Smile This Thanksgiving!

It’s nearly that time of the year you’ve been waiting for. Whether you are looking forward to catching up with relatives, or you are just spending Thanksgiving with your significant other, there is nothing quite like a homecooked meal – especially when everyone in the family is contributing. However, Thanksgiving isn’t the best holiday when it comes to your pearly whites. Read on to learn some holiday oral health tips to appreciate your smile!

Carry Some Floss

Whether you are staying at home this year or traveling to catch up with friends or relatives, you should keep some dental floss on hand. For many families, Thanksgiving is a day-long event with all sorts of different courses. You’re bound to get some pieces of food stuck between your teeth throughout the day. Between dishes, take some time to floss your teeth.

Save Room for Protein

Fortunately, not every Thanksgiving dish is harmful to your smile. While it’s a good idea to limit your portions of starchier foods, like dinner rolls and stuffing, a hunk of turkey will do your smile good. Turkey contains phosphorus and protein. Both are essential for strong teeth and bones. Be sure to load up on lots of vegetables as well.

Avoid Sticky Foods

A few Thanksgiving stables include cranberry sauce, gravy, and pecan pie. Unfortunately, these are all damaging to your smile. They stick to your teeth and can cause you to develop cavities. If you aren’t ready to give these dishes up, just limit your portion size. After you finish up these sides, rinse your mouth with some water. This can help to limit some of the harmful effects.

Stay Away from Wine

Do you like to enjoy a glass of wine with your Thanksgiving meal? The problem with this is that wine is very acidic. It will stain your teeth and weaken your enamel, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities. Having a glass of water or milk is a better option. If you want to have an adult beverage with your food, stick to light beer or have a gin and tonic in place of wine.

You don’t need to give up all of your favorite foods this Thanksgiving, but you should know how they affect your smile. By making mindful decisions and using the tips listed above, you can enter the holiday season with excellent oral health!

About the Author

Dr. Eric Barajas is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the UCLA School of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Chula Vista, visit his website or call (619) 482-7367.