Have you made big plans for Thanksgiving celebrations? If so, then amidst your feast and visiting, be sure to take steps to help safeguard your smile. Otherwise, you could end the holidays with smiles developing cavities. In today’s blog, your Bellaire, TX, dentist talks about protecting your smile and avoiding holiday-related cavities.
Sugar and Starch
Many of our favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and other holiday mean items, are high in either sugar and starchy. This makes them delicious, but also allows them to increase the risk of tooth decay if you aren’t careful. For example, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and rolls all have high amounts of starch. Desserts like cobbler, pie, and cookies contain lots of sugar, and this is also found in soda and sweet eta. These particles will cling to the teeth and bacteria will consume them, a process that coats teeth in plaque and tartar buildup. These layers could erode the enamel to make cavities more likely, and are also linked to bad breath, teeth stains, and even gum disease. Which is why you need to take steps to help protect you and your family’s smiles during this time of year!
Balancing Your Plate
What you add to your plate is important. Try to enjoy items high in sugar and starch in moderation. You can also try to balance your plate! Add fresh fruits and vegetables, as some options like carrots, broccoli, and apples could help scrub away plaque and food particles as you consume them. Instead of sweet tea and sodas, try to enjoy a glass of ice water with your meal, as this helps rinse away food particles and protect your smile. You could even excuse yourself to brush or at least floss after your meal.
Speaking of, you need to enjoy good oral hygiene habits during your celebrations too! Which means you start and end your day by brushing for two minutes when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should last about two minutes, and use a fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen the outer enamel. You also need to floss every evening to remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach!
Dental Exams and Professional Cleaning
There is still time to use your 2022 dental benefits and undergo a checkup and cleaning before the year ends, so you can greet 2023 with a bright and healthy smile! If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
Talk To Your Bellaire, TX Dentist About Avoiding Tooth Decay
We would love to help you enjoy a healthy smile free of tooth decay during the holidays. If you have questions about treating your smile and keeping it strong, then please reach out to Contemporary Dental And Orthodontics at 713-668-9119.