Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be close to family and friends, and to celebrate everything we’re thankful for. At Burlingame Dental Arts, we think– why not give thanks for a great smile?
And what better way to celebrate oral health than to carefully guard it during all the festivities? Follow these suggestions, and your teeth will have something to be thankful for too!
Travel lightly– and carry a big brush
Even if you’re only going for the day, bring a toothbrush! This is one of the simplest ways to keep abreast of your oral health throughout a day filled with food. In between meals (or after a snack) just take a quick trip to the bathroom and brush your teeth. Not only will this keep oral bacteria from “celebrating Thanksgiving,” it may encourage you to eat less– which will have your waistline thanking you too!
Avoid temptation
And speaking of snacking… you may be hungry, you may be excited about the big turkey feast you’re about to dig into, but try to avoid grazing. The presence of food in your mouth means bacteria are eating too– so the less it’s there, the better. Despite all the temptations, try to limit your eating to mealtimes, and drink plenty of water after.
Fill up– but not on lots of carbs
Carbohydrate-heavy foods, whether or not they have added sugar, can be detrimental to your oral health because they stick to your teeth. Sweets– like cookies and pie– are especially insidious for leaving pockets of carbohydrate-y goodness for bacteria in your mouth. And sticky candy– like Grandma’s homemade taffy– is especially problematic. If you indulge, remember to brush your teeth afterwards!
Eat your vegetables
On Thanksgiving, this is easy! Stewed greens, roasted winter roots, mashed potatoes and yams are not only plentiful, they’re good for your teeth and gums. These hearty vegetables contain high amounts of vitamins C and A that protect you from forms of gum disease like gingivitis and periodontitis. While you’re digging in, remember to balance out all those goodies with a healthy helping of vegetables to keep your gums in working order!
Burlingame Dental Arts, your first choice in Portland dental care
At our office, we believe Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to step back from our daily routine and reflect on all we have to be grateful for– and we want great dental health to be on every patient’s gratitude list!
If you’ve missed a visit with us in the last year, take a moment to make an appointment now so that you can enjoy great oral health every Thanksgiving for years to come!
Photo Credit: Stacy Spensley via Compfight cc