Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year. It’s a time when we all come together and celebrate the things we’re thankful for. If you don’t want to risk any damage to your pearly whites this holiday season, here are some simple tips to be followed:
Pre-Thanksgiving Day Tip
If you eat a lot of starchy or sugary foods, consider brushing your teeth and flossing prior to your feast. Brushing will give you fresher breath and help remove some surface stains from the teeth. Flossing will help remove any food particles stuck between teeth. This will help prevent the buildup of plaque that contributes to tooth decay.
Use Mouthwash
Sugary drinks and starchy food can lead to cavities and tooth decay, so it’s important to clean your teeth after meals! If you don’t have access to a toothbrush or a sink, you can use mouthwash instead. Mouthwash will help remove plaque and food particles from your smile, but it won’t replace the benefits of brushing or flossing.
Talk to your dentist about the best mouthwash to use and what ingredients will be most effective for your oral health needs. Some mouthwashes are better at preventing decay than others, and some contain fluoride to help rebuild tooth enamel. Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance to avoid potentially harmful products.
Post-Thanksgiving Feast Tip
While you’re enjoying the delicious foods at your Thanksgiving dinner, try to eat slowly to savor the flavors. In between bites, remember to rinse your mouth with water to help flush away any leftover debris. Then, brush your teeth thoroughly to keep bacteria from multiplying and causing decay. Lastly, floss to remove any remaining bits of food stuck in between the teeth.
Shop Smart for Holiday Treats
It’s easy to shop for sugary and sticky foods in the weeks leading up to the holidays, but make sure you’re also stocking up on healthy foods like apples, broccoli, leafy greens, and nuts. These crunchy snacks will soothe your sweet tooth while also benefiting your teeth!
If you crave something sweet for dessert, try making a fruit salad with bananas or berries coated in a yogurt dip. This healthy treat will satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging your teeth.
Avoid Chewing Ice
If you are anything like the average American, chances are good that you’ll be munching on ice cubes this Thanksgiving. But did you know that ice is one of the worst foods for your teeth?
Although it seems like the harmless little cube won’t hurt much, biting on ice can crack tooth enamel or chip off a portion of a tooth entirely. Plus, the freezing temperatures can cause teeth to ache and ache! When your mouth is in a cold state for too long, your body’s blood flow gets redirected to your organs to keep them warm. As a result, your gums become sensitive from a lack of blood and poor circulation. Your gums may even recede from this constant exposure to cold temperatures and lack of adequate blood flow. Yikes!
Chew Gum After Meals
Allowing our saliva to wash away any food particles, sugar, and starches from our teeth is a simple way to clean your mouth and reduce the chance of problems like tooth decay and bad breath during your holiday feast.
Contact Fear Free Pembroke Dental & Spa, for the best dental care. Call Dentist in Pembroke Pines, FL at (954) 419 4455 or visit 15671 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Fl 33027 to schedule an appointment