4 Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Thanksgiving

For many people, the first thing that comes to mind when they think about Thanksgiving is all of the great food! But you’ll still want to be a little careful; as delicious as many of these foods and drinks are, you should nevertheless take steps to protect your smile and ensure its health and beauty. Here are some tips from your dentist in Lubbock to make your Thanksgiving a little more tooth-friendly!

1. Cut Back on the Sugars & Starches

Let’s face it; there are several incredible dishes served this time of year, but many of them aren’t exactly healthy for your teeth. Many traditional Thanksgiving options like sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pumpkin and pecan pie, and more are all very sugar-filled and contribute to tooth decay. But starchy options like mashed potatoes and stuffing can also create harmful plaque that attacks your enamel and contributes to dental problems. If you can cut down the sugar and starchy content in your Thanksgiving meal by eating certain things in moderation, or at the very least clean your mouth throughout the day, your smile will thank you!

2. Watch Out for Hard & Sharp Foods

Sugary and starchy items aren’t all you need to worry about; foods that break down into hard or sharp pieces also pose a threat! These items can stab your gums, get stuck between teeth, and even become lodged in dentures, braces, or other oral devices. Be careful around pre-meal snack options like chips, nuts, hard candies, popcorn, and other treats; also show caution around anything with bones.

3. Avoid Eating Continuously Throughout the Day

When you eat extra food consistently throughout the day, you’re continuously exposing your teeth and gums to plaque that’s almost certain to lead to dental problems. You should try to stick to designated eating times instead of grazing throughout the day. And if you find yourself going back for seconds at dinner, be sure to brush your teeth after you’re finished eating before you head to bed for the evening; don’t give cavity-causing bacteria the chance to develop during your food coma!

4. Be Picky About Your Drinks

It never hurts to be mindful about what you’re drinking, either. If you enjoy a glass of wine, warm mug of cider, or piping-hot cocoa with your meal, you’ll be adding extra acid to your mouth that can break down your enamel! Other drinks, including alcoholic beverages with added sugar, can dry up your mouth and create a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive in. You should drink a glass of water with dinner on Thanksgiving; it’ll help to counteract some of the negative effects of other drinks.

Protect your smile this Thanksgiving by following these tips from your dentist in Lubbock; that way, you can focus on having fun and filling up on great food while knowing that your smile is healthy and beautiful.

About the Author

Dr. Kevin Shively has proudly served patients and families in the Lubbock, TX area for several years. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative options. If you have any questions about what you can do to protect your smile this Thanksgiving, or if you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to visit the practice’s website or give them a call at (806) 698-8660.