Thanksgiving is a time for family, fun, and food! However, it is easy to get carried away and forget that the holiday is a time to nourish our bodies, as well. Maintaining good oral health is especially important this time of year, so here's how you can do just that!

Brushing and Floss Your Teeth 

Make sure you're keeping up with your brushing and flossing routine this season. This is one of the most important things you can do for your dental health — and it's a lot easier than you may think. Just brush twice each day for at least two minutes each time and floss every night before going to bed. These practices can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Avoid Sticky and Chewy Foods

If you are eating some sticky or chewy foods, make sure to brush after you eat! This will help remove any harmful sugars and acids from your teeth before they have a chance to settle. Some snacks that are very hard to remove include caramels, dried fruit, hard candy, nuts, popcorn, and even meat and cheese if you have very strong teeth that can bite through the food. Instead, opt for softer foods that are less likely to get stuck in your teeth and help your teeth stay stronger for longer.

Watching What You Eat

While it may be tempting to load up on mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and pie, this Thanksgiving season, remember that some foods are better than others for your teeth. If you must have dessert, try opting for sugar-free options like pumpkin pie or sugarless cookies. When it comes to the main course, you can go for white meat like chicken or fish to avoid consuming too much fat and sugar. Mashed potatoes can be packed with starch that turns into sugar once it enters the mouth, so be careful when eating those! Along those same lines — don't eat too many carbohydrates in general, including bread rolls and dinner rolls. They'll break down into simple sugars and feed the bacteria that cause cavities.

Avoid Sodas

As for drinks, try to avoid sodas which are packed with sugar and acid that can weaken tooth enamel and cause decay. Water is always a good choice, as is milk if you drink it plain. If you do choose to drink soda or any other sugary beverages, try to rinse your mouth out with water afterward so that the acids won't sit on your teeth for too long.

At Arizona Dental, we ensure to provide each of our patients with a positive and relaxing experience. If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact us from your nearest location. We will be happy to guide you further.