SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important to prepare not only your dinner menu but your smile too. You must take all necessary precautions to safeguard your grin while eating and savoring your favorite dishes. Since the delicacies, snacks, and desserts that line the kitchen table can be bad for your teeth, it’s important to remember your oral health and your smile this holiday season. Our Scotts Valley family dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share on the blog today five tooth-friendly tips for a healthy smile this Thanksgiving so that you can protect your oral health and eat scrumptious food too!
Drink Water
Drinking water all day is good for your smile and overall wellness because it’s the healthiest beverage available. When you drink enough throughout the day, you can keep your smile clean and help dislodge food particles and rinse away sugar to help protect your teeth. Water consumption will also help you combat cavities by promoting saliva flow and preventing plaque development.
Limit Sticky Foods
You might not realize how much damage the sticky items on the table can do to your teeth. Sticky foods like mashed potatoes, pecan pie, cranberry sauce, and pecan pie stick to your teeth, fostering an environment where germs can flourish and harm your gums and tooth enamel. It’s better to stay away from these dishes together. If you choose to consume these items, though, remember to brush and floss afterward, as well as rinse your mouth with water.
Brush and Floss
Try your hardest to brush and floss 30 minutes after eating. You put your oral health at risk the most by allowing sugar to sit in your mouth for extended periods. So, while enjoying dessert or sweet treats is ok in moderation, but you should brush your teeth within at least half an hour. Our Santa Cruz family dentists are aware that you might not be spending Thanksgiving at home where your toothbrush is within reach, so bring a little pocket toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you if you’re staying overnight or going out of town. If you choose to consume sticky, sweet meals, it’s extremely vital to brush and floss afterward to remove food particles from your teeth.
Shorten Mealtimes
Snacking all day and delaying meals are the two things you should avoid if you want to keep your smile healthy. Grazing or snacking between meals continuously exposes your teeth to dangerous oral bacteria. Therefore, it’s preferable to set aside a certain period of the day for supper and snacks and then spend the remaining time catching up with friends and family.
Schedule a Checkup and Cleaning
You should schedule a dental cleaning as soon as possible following the Thanksgiving holiday. During your visit, the hygienist removes stains and tartar buildup. And we’ll address any dental problems that developed over the holidays.
Family Dentists in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California
Spending the holidays with family and friends can be a delightful experience where lifelong memories are created. Unfortunately, the Thanksgiving dinner menu and snack bar are not kind to your waistline or your oral health. This holiday season, exercise caution when choosing the foods and beverages you consume and use the above tips for guidance. After Thanksgiving is over, feel free to contact our Los Gatos family dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry to schedule a checkup and cleaning for you and everyone in the family. Please call our office at (831) 438-4411 or request an appointment online today.
