Thanksgiving is all about sharing great food with your loved ones. While you might be grateful for the delicious meal on the table, your dentist is concerned about the toll certain foods will have on your teeth. Follow these dental care tips to ensure your Thanksgiving meal doesn’t harm your smile. 

5 Tips for Protecting Your Smile This Thanksgiving

1. Floss After Eating Turkey

The main course of most Thanksgiving meals is the turkey. While this meal is packed with protein, small slices can get stuck between your teeth. Make sure to floss the remaining bits of turkey, as not doing so can attract cavity-causing bacteria. 

2. Watch Your Wine Intake 

Wine contains a lot of acid, which can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth. When this happens, you are more susceptible to tooth decay, sending you to the dentist for cleanings, fillings, or dental crowns. Alternate sips of wine with water so acid doesn’t linger on your teeth.

3. Choose Your Sides Wisely

Cranberry sauce contains a lot of sugar and is high in acid. Candied yams also have a high amount of sugar and, if made with marshmallows, it can stick to your teeth. To ensure you maintain a residue-free smile, skip the marshmallows. If you indulge in these sides, mix it up with some crunchy vegetables, as chewing harder foods offers a natural scrubbing action. 

4. Be Careful With Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is the staple of any Thanksgiving dinner. This dish has plenty of Vitamin A, which is integral to nurturing healthy gums and building enamel. However, it also contains a substantial amount of sugar. Foods with high sugar can cause an array of oral and overall health problems. Your dentist will suggest skipping the whipped cream to cut down on sugar. 

5. Brush & Floss As Usual

No matter how late your Thanksgiving feast ends, always brush your teeth thoroughly at the end of the night. Extensively floss to ensure that every crevice between your teeth is clean and free of lingering food. Flossing prevents bacteria buildup and keeps your teeth healthy and clean. Consult your dentist for a deeper cleaning after the holiday. 

Experienced dentists at Anchorage Dental Center in the Greater Anchorage, AK, area provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Dentist James Driskell takes pride in serving his community and always strives to provide quality, comfortable care. To schedule an appointment, call the dental clinic at (907) 278-2521. To learn more about the dental procedures the practice offers, visit their website.