The weeks between Halloween and New Year’s Eve are filled with cranberry sauce, mulled wine, pecan pie, and other delicious treats. So, it’s not hard to see why this time of year has earned the nickname “season of sugar.” Fortunately, you can help prevent cavities this Thanksgiving with a few simple swaps. Read on to learn what they are!
1. Fill Your Plate with Tooth-Friendly Foods First
Around this time of year, patients are often bombarded with information on what they shouldn’t eat. While that’s helpful to a point, it’s also important to know that there are plenty of Thanksgiving staples that are tooth-friendly, starting with protein-packed turkey. Slow-cooked carrots, raw celery, and roasted Brussels sprouts are a few other dishes that can benefit your oral health, so fill your plate with these foods first!
2. Make Water Your Drink of Choice
Oftentimes, it isn’t the sugar in the desserts that cause trouble; it’s the sugar in beverages like pumpkin spiced lattes, creamy sodas, and mulled wine! So, consider making water your drink of choice this Thanksgiving. This simple swap will help you stay hydrated while also rinsing food particles from your teeth throughout the day.
3. Don’t Go Overboard on Sugar
It’s very common for patients to overindulge on Thanksgiving, especially when it comes time for dessert. However, even on holidays, consuming added sugar in excess can dramatically increase your chances of developing cavities. That’s why it’s a good idea to cut back on sugar where you can, whether that’s having water instead of wine with dinner or having just one slice of pie instead of two or three.
4. Keep a Travel-Sized Toothbrush and Toothpaste with You
According to The American Automobile Association, more than 55 million people travel between Wednesday and Sunday. If you’re one of them, then double and triple-check that you have a toothbrush and toothpaste with you. Having a travel-sized set of oral hygiene tools is especially helpful because it makes it easy to clean your teeth whether you’re at the airport, at a restaurant on the side of the road, or at a relative’s house.
About the Practice
At EMA Dental, you’ll find five exceptional dentists as well as an amazing team of dental hygienists, dental assistants, and administrators. As a result, you can turn to us for all of your dental needs – from your routine checkups and essential restorative care to custom cosmetic dentistry! If you would like to learn more about how to protect your smile during the holidays or you’d like to schedule an appointment, you’re more than welcome to get in touch via our website.