Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy delicious food alongside your loved ones. However, it’s important to remember that many traditional Thanksgiving foods can pose a serious threat to oral health; if you’re not careful, the big meal could lead to serious dental problems. Fortunately, the following 4 tips will help you keep your family’s smiles safe so that everyone can still enjoy the holiday to the fullest.
1. Be Mindful of Sugary Foods
As you’re probably aware, sugar can increase your risk of tooth decay. Unfortunately, between sweet potatoes with marshmallows, cranberry sauce, pecan pie, and other sweets, it can be all too easy to expose your teeth to an excessive amount of sugar on Thanksgiving. It’s okay to indulge a little, but be careful to keep everyone’s sugar consumption under control. Drinking water throughout the day can help, as it rinses away the sugar that might be on the teeth.
2. Do Not Serve Red Wine with the Meal
Red wine is acidic, meaning it can weaken or break down the enamel protecting the teeth. Furthermore, the alcohol it contains can dry up the saliva that’s needed to keep your mouth clean. As such, it may be worth switching out red wine for another beverage. Alternatively, you can swish water around after you’re done with your wine; this helps neutralize any acids that might still be in your mouth.
3. Stay Away from Anything Sticky
Sticky, sugary foods like marshmallows and candied pecans can wreak havoc with oral health. They tend to stay in the mouth for a long time, which can encourage the buildup of plaque that eventually leads to tooth decay. And if anyone in your family is wearing braces, sticky treats could get stuck in them or even pull them off the teeth. Consider finding an alternative for any sticky foods that are normally part of your family’s Thanksgiving feast.
4. Set Designated Eating Times
Does your family tend to eat throughout the day on Thanksgiving? If so, they could be at a higher-than-average risk for dental problems. Whenever you eat, the bacteria in your mouth produce acids that attack your teeth. Normally, the mouth’s acidity levels return to normal in about 20 to 30 minutes, but that won’t happen if you’re constantly snacking. Encourage your loved ones to stick to designated eating times instead of grazing throughout the day.
You can reach out to your dentist to see if they have any other suggestions for maintaining good oral health. By being aware of potential holiday dental hazards, you can make this year’s Thanksgiving meal one that your family can enjoy while keeping their grins well-protected.
About the Author
Dr. Joyce Warwick graduated from the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in 1987. She regularly attends over 100 hours of continuing education every year so that she can utilize the latest technology and techniques in the care she gives her patients. To schedule a pre- or post-Thanksgiving appointment with Dr. Joyce at Warwick Dentistry, visit her website or call (412) 391-1130.