Ways to Keep Teeth Healthy This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time when family and friends get together to celebrate and be thankful for everything they have. It is a perfect time to share and bond. Thanksgiving is also a time when people indulge in a lot of eating, including both sweet and sticky foods. This eating pattern can cause a lot of damage to your teeth. Listed below are a few tips for a healthy Thanksgiving.

Avoid Sweets

It's important to remember to keep your sugar intake low! During the holidays, people tend to snack more and indulge in sugary treats and drinks. This can result in cavities if you're not careful. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind for a healthier holiday this year.

• Sticky and sweet foods stick to your teeth and promote tooth decay. It's a good idea to limit your intake of these foods to mealtimes. If you must indulge, then brush afterward.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day instead of soda or other sweet beverages. Water will also help rinse away food particles from your teeth after eating.
• Eat healthy fresh fruits and veggies like apples, celery, and carrots. These foods are high in fiber and water, which promote good digestion.
• Enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie or a scoop of sweet potato pie – just make sure you brush your teeth afterward!

Stick to Your Normal Diet

While pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes are delicious, it's important to maintain a balanced diet when you eat the foods you love. Overindulging in sugary or starchy food can cause cavities if you aren't careful.

If you feel the urge to snack on sweets throughout the day, try chewing sugarless gum instead. This can help to clean your teeth when you're eating foods that are high in carbs and sugars. Gum is also a great way to stimulate the production of saliva, which can help to wash away acids and bacteria that can damage teeth.

Brush and Floss Regularly

Nothing can ruin your Thanksgiving, like receiving news that you have a cavity in a tooth that will receive a lot of food on the big day. You can avoid this by brushing and flossing regularly, especially after consuming sugary or acidic foods that can erode your teeth. Make it a habit to brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance for safety and efficacy. Don't forget to floss once a day as well. A proper oral hygiene routine is the best way to keep your mouth clean and healthy as you enjoy your food with friends and family.

Enhanced Smiles, located in Tukwila, WA, offers the best dental care facilities at dentistry. Dial (206) 575-1000 and book an appointment with our dentist in Tukwila to learn more about dental restorative dental services and other dental care facilities.