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When gathering around the Thanksgiving table with family and friends, it can be hard to focus on anything other than your mom’s delicious dressing or your grandma’s homemade pumpkin pie. But if you want to maintain a cavity-free smile for the remainder of 2023 (and into 2024), it’s important that you keep these three tips in mind when loading up your plate and navigating the delicacies of the season.
Don’t Drink Alcohol in Excess
Enjoying a glass of water at the start of dinner is fine; however, consuming it throughout the evening will not only inhibit your ability to think clearly, but it can also hinder your sleeping habits and negatively impact your teeth.
From the tannins found in dark-colored wines that are known to stain teeth to the sugars and/or added acidity found in various red and white wines, your pearly whites are destined for cavities and decay if not properly cared for.
Instead of drinking multiple glasses throughout dinner and into the evening, enjoy a glass early on before switching to water. This hydrating beverage will keep you alert, energized, and smiling confidently because of the flushing out of harmful bacteria and the ability to encourage salivary glands to keep working.
Don’t Fill Up on Sweets
Whether it is pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, or chocolate brownies your family enjoys, you’re likely to find it difficult to pass up any of these delicious desserts. Eating them in moderation again is fine, but you’ll want to pay attention to how much you eat and when.
The best time to consume desserts is immediately following your main course. This allows your salivary production to continue doing its job to flush out harmful bacteria while eating dessert instead of slowing down.
You’ll also want to stick to a slice instead of 2 or 3, as the more sugar you consume, the greater your risk of cavities, especially if you’re not practicing good oral hygiene before bed.
Savor the Flavor of Turkey and Vegetables
Even if turkey isn’t your meat of choice on Thanksgiving, fill your plate up with the primary protein and lots of vegetables. This will not only help to fill your stomach full of healthier, nutritious foods but also safeguard your smile from too many sugars and carbohydrates.
Carrots, ham, turkey, green beans, and other similar delicacies contain valuable vitamins that are good for your teeth, gums, and overall health. You’ll just want to avoid coating anything in brown sugar, honey, or marshmallows (sweet potatoes), as you’ll lose the nutritional value of these dishes.
Don’t feel guilty about enjoying the various dishes cooked at Thanksgiving this year. Just be careful how much you eat so that your teeth don’t suffer the consequences later on.
About the Author
Dr. Eric Heisser attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry before going on to achieve recognition as a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Academy of General Dentistry. With countless hours of continuing education credit, he and his wife, Dr. Ariel Heisser, set their primary focus on preventive care. Offering tips and recommendations to patients looking to navigate the holidays without damaging their smile, we encourage everyone to visit our website or call (231) 737-2273.