Thanksgiving is around the corner, and needless to say, it is a time when you consume too much of things that can harm your teeth. From sweet desserts to alcohol and acidic soft drinks, the Thanksgiving menu can seriously damage your teeth. While there is nothing wrong with some holiday food indulgence, you should still be careful.
That being said, there are certain food items that are beneficial for your teeth that you can have as an alternative to the damaging ones. And do not worry; these food items will also give you the holiday essence! After Thanksgiving, it is suggested to visit an Ankeny Iowa dentist to get an update on your oral health.
Thanksgiving tips to protect your oral health
- Drink an adequate amount of water.
Drinking water helps you maintain your overall health. It can wash off the bacteria from your teeth and other harmful bacteria that cause serious dental health issues like gum bleeding, tooth decay, and sensitivity.
Drinking water also stimulates the salivary gland and increases saliva production. This saliva helps in the reduction of infection-causing germs and bacteria. Drinking water after a sweet meal helps you remove the sugar from your mouth. This prevents the sweets from sticking to your enamel, which can later result in cavities and tooth decay.
- Brushing and flossing.
Though brushing and flossing seem like simple tasks, for those who have maintained the habit, it contributes to their oral health greatly.
Brushing twice a day daily is the foundation of healthy and strong teeth. Flossing your teeth after brushing helps you remove tiny particles stuck in between your teeth that a toothbrush’s bristle can not reach.
The presence of sugar in your teeth is a major reason for tooth decay. Therefore, these two steps should not be taken lightly to avoid any painful trip to the dentist down the lane.
- Limit sugar intake and dessert.
Avoid having too sweet meals during the holidays. Sweet substances like sugar remain stuck on the teeth and invite germs and bacteria to feed on them. Bacteria feed on the sugar and cause cavities. Substituting sugary items with fresh fruits and homemade desserts, which are comparatively less sugar-containing, will contribute to your long-term oral health.
- Eat turkey and vegetables.
Turkey and veggies contain essential elements that keep your teeth healthy and strong. Turkey meat contains phosphorous that combines with calcium and vitamin D in your teeth to provide strength to your teeth and bones. Also, vegetables contain various elements like zinc, iron, and copper that give you healthier gums.