Thanksgiving is notorious for its fantastic food—from candied yams to juicy turkey. Unfortunately, some of the festive dishes can affect your dental health. However, by following a few tips from a dentist, you can enjoy the meal worry-free. You don’t have to forego your favorite food at the dinner table if you follow the below guidelines.

How a Thanksgiving Meal Affects Your Teeth

1. Cranberry Sauce

The vibrant hue of the cranberry sauce's juices will stain teeth and dull smiles. Cranberries are also acidic and can thus wear away the protective enamel coating teeth, making you more susceptible to decay. When eating cranberries, alternate bites with sips of water to keep the acidic juices from clinging to the teeth.

2. Turkey

This poultry is packed with lean protein, which is good for your overall health. The stringy meat can get caught between teeth, however, attracting bacteria that can contribute to cavities and gum disease. Don’t collapse on the couch after eating and ignore your oral hygiene routine. Instead, make sure to floss to get rid of any bits of meat stuck between your teeth.

3. Candied Yams With Marshmallows

This treat can be tricky for smiles. This dish is packed with sugar, which attracts cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, candied yams are sticky; if you have bad luck, you might lose a filling and require an emergency trip to the dentist. Enjoy your yams plain, without the marshmallows and sticky glaze.

Once the Thanksgiving festivities are over, book a teeth cleaning with the dentists at Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic in Fulton County, AR. This general dentistry practice has been serving residents of northern Arkansas and south-central Missouri and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Patients of all ages receive friendly, gentle care. Visit their website to find out more about their family-friendly practice. For a dentist appointment, call (870) 625-3262.