With Thanksgiving fast approaching, two aspects are certain. First, the day will be a non-stop feast of delights and delicacies, and second, there will be family pictures. For many families, this is their one chance to get everyone together; not only will everybody be in the shot, but it’s also likely they will each get a copy of the picture too. And with your face on display in everyone’s homes or on their social media channels, you want to make your family dentist proud and show a big, beautiful, and healthy smile.

3 Ways to Keep a Healthy Smile This Thanksgiving

1. Avoid Sticky Sides

As tasty as all the Thanksgiving treats are, they are no friend to your teeth. Any overly sweet desserts will cover your teeth with sugar, which leads to decay and cavities. However, you don’t have to forego everything. If you’re going to reach for anything, pick a slice of pie; it’s less sugary other options.

Dessert isn’t the only culprit – or the worst: cranberry sauce is full of sugar and incredibly sticky. If you can, bring a jar of sugar-free sauce along with you so you can still enjoy the flavor with none of the guilt.

2. Floss or Brush Whenever You Can

Good oral hygiene will keep your teeth in tip-top condition, so if you have the chance, slip away after dinner for a quick brush and floss. Any food particles left on your teeth can cause decay and cavities, so while flossing mid-Thanksgiving Day may seem overly particular, it’ll get any sugar off your teeth quickly and give you fresh breath.

3. Try to Make Healthy Choices

It’s Thanksgiving, and you get a free pass on calorie counting and weight-watching. But your teeth are different, and they still need to be considered, even on a holiday. Vegetables and greens are full of vitamins that help strengthen your teeth and gums; try to add in a couple of healthy choices.

When you need to find a family dentist, look no further than Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska. The friendly, highly trained team believes in a patient-focused approach where a warm welcome will make you feel comfortable from your first visit. They also invest time and attention on every patient to ensure they follow an ongoing preventative care program, keeping their teeth healthier for longer. Call the practice to schedule an appointment with a family dentist at (907) 278-2521 or go online to find out more about the services they offer.