From a largely virtual parade to a more intimate crowd around the dinner table, Thanksgiving looks very different this year. However, one thing certainly hasn’t changed: the copious amounts of food! Unfortunately, ooey-gooey pecan pie, marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, and delicious stuffing are just a few staples that your taste buds love, but your teeth despise. Therefore, a dentist in Gorham is sharing four tips to make your meal tooth-friendly.
#1. Limit Sugary Foods
Candied pecans and sugary-sweet apple pie are just a few festive treats that make your Thanksgiving meal complete. However, once the sugar interacts with the bacteria in your mouth, they form an enamel-eroding acid that leaves you vulnerable to decay and cavities. Therefore, it’s a good idea to stick to one serving and complete your oral hygiene routine shortly after!
#2. Be Cautious of Hard, Sharp Foods
Between catching up with loved ones and working on your own dish for the meal, it’s easy to be distracted while you indulge in a snack or two. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to be cautious when eating hard or sharp foods that can turn your otherwise pleasant afternoon into an urgent trip to the dentist. With this in mind, be cautious of unpopped popcorn kernels, firm peanut brittle, almonds, and the like.
#3. Stick with Water
During celebrations, it can be tempting to opt for an ice-cold glass of soda, deep red wine, or sparkling champagne. However, since your plate is already going to be filled with sugary, carb-heavy, potentially acidic foods, it’s best to stick with water. Not only will this keep you hydrated throughout the day, but it will also help rinse away food particles and protect your teeth from decay!
#4. Have a To-Go Dental Kit Ready
Ideally, each meal would be followed with a thorough brushing and flossing routine. Although that’s largely unrealistic, especially if you are out-of-town, you can still protect your teeth with a simple to-go dental kit! Simply pack a few staples, like a floss pick and sugar-free gum, for you to use on the go. That way, you can remove food particles from between your teeth and chew on sugar-free gum until you can complete your oral hygiene routine!
While you may not have a healthy Thanksgiving food-wise, you can make it healthy for your teeth and gums! Just follow the above tips to prevent your celebratory meal from resulting in cavities in the new year.
About the Practice
At Morgan-Hill Dental Care, patients can enjoy a comprehensive array of services, a welcoming atmosphere, and world-class care delivered by a highly trained, fantastic team. At each appointment, Dr. Ted Morgan and Dr. Brett Morgan use their clinical expertise and genuine passion for their craft to ensure each patient’s unique dental needs are met. So, if you’ve been searching Google for “dentist near me” or are overdue for your biannual appointment, visit their website or give them a call at 207-839-2655.
