Posted by KLEINHEINZ DENTISTRY on Nov 15 2022, 10:53 AM
Thanksgiving is a holiday where family and friends gather around a table to share a meal. While the holiday is meant to celebrate the bounty that the year has brought, it can also bring stress to your teeth.
If you only have access to soft foods, that's fine! However, you do want to avoid anything sticky or chewy to avoid damaging any fillings or crowns you may have received. Stick with soft foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles. The dentist in Charlotte can help prepare you to meet your new neighbors at your next neighborhood block party.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings family and friends together to share some delicious food and enjoy each other's company. While indulging in delicious dishes is standard fare for this time of year, there are some things you can do to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays. Perhaps you have a few missing teeth you would like replaced, or perhaps you have received dental implants. No matter the situation, our dentists have some tips to help your teeth and gums stay healthy during this holiday season.
With all of the delicious holiday food, it's tempting to snack all day long. However, eating sugary or starchy foods like popcorn, candy, and even dried fruit can damage your teeth. The sugar in these treats feeds the bad bacteria in your mouth. This can cause cavities or gum disease. If you're craving something sweet, try some sugar-free gum instead. It can help keep your mouth busy and help prevent tooth decay.
Many people associate Thanksgiving with turkey, cranberries, and pumpkin pie – all of which can stain your teeth. But did you know that onions and garlic can also wreak havoc on your smile? These foods are not only high on the list of things to avoid for whiter teeth, but they can also cause bad breath. Be sure to brush after eating any of these foods or drinks – especially before you have company over for the holidays!
After each meal, rinse your mouth with water to help wash away leftover food and residue from your teeth. This can help prevent food debris from getting lodged in cavities or between teeth where brushing and flossing can't reach.
In addition to rinsing with water, consider chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol after you eat. This can further help remove food particles from the mouth, which in turn reduces your risk of developing tooth decay.
We know it's tough to be perfect all the time. But it's still important to practice good oral hygiene habits during the holidays and especially on Thanksgiving Day. The day can be filled with all kinds of delicious foods and drinks that aren't ideal for your teeth. Plus, if your family has the tradition of sitting around the television watching football all day, it's likely that snacking during commercial breaks will happen. So, it's important to keep your mouth clean throughout the day so you can avoid cavities or bacteria buildup in your gums. To make sure you maintain healthy teeth and gums on Thanksgiving, don't forget to brush and floss!
Please reach out to our dental practice at 3121 Springbank Ln Ste D Charlotte, NC 28226, to consult with our dentists, Drs. Jeffrey S. Kleinheinz. Call Dentist in Charlotte, NC, at (704) 542-6003 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.
MON - THU 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
FRI - SUN Closed
