Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Wells & her team! This holiday is a time to remember all you have to be grateful for in your life, surround yourself with family and friends and our favorite, EAT. ALL. THE. FOOD. With all this delicious, carb-laden food, we need to remember to care for our teeth! To help you have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, we’ve compiled these five tips:
Dr. Wells & Her Husband Zach enjoying a delicious meal at Thanksgiving in 2015.
Five Thanksgiving Dental Tips from First Impressions!
1. Eat your feast at once. Try to avoid snacking all day or dragging the meal out. Snacking exposes your teeth to a continuous assault from the acids in foods and creates the perfect environment for bacteria to form cavities.
2. Drink lots of water. Drinking water is always a great idea, but when you are eating lots of sweet, sticky food it is especially important. Water helps wash away the left overs to prevent them from sitting on your teeth tooth long.
3. Brush and Floss. Dental hygiene is especially important after a big meal. Duck into the bathroom about 30 minutes after eating to brush and floss. If brushing your teeth isn’t an option, chew on a piece sugar free gum. Xylitol containing gum can help wipe away leftover food particles, improve your saliva flow, and assist with your digestion.
4. Ditch the sticky foods. Sticky foods are acidic, sweet, and stick to your teeth for hours to come, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to create cavities. If you must eat them, swish with water after eating and brush your teeth to wipe away the gummy remains.
5. Make a Post-Holiday Cleaning Appointment. We all know the holiday season can be bad for your weight, but the desserts and long meals are also tough on your teeth. If you’re concerned about cavities, schedule a visit with our hygienist. Prevention is always important! We can also discuss any cosmetic treatment to give you a brighter smile for holiday photos or celebrations.
Be Thankful For Your Teeth!
Having beautiful, healthy teeth is certainly something to be thankful for this holiday season. Keep them that way by using our Thanksgiving dental tips and coming in for regular check-ups. Contact us for more info or to schedule an appointment!
