ThanksgivingDay Shakedown: Protect Your Oral Health

Thanksgivingis arguably the best holiday of all. Firmly focused on food, family, friendsand football. Thanksgiving is filled with culinary traditions that are onlybrought out when the leaves have changed and the air has turned cooler. Yet,some of these favorite foods can also damage your teeth, leaving you with morethan just a full belly and turkey coma when the big meal is over. 

SwapOut Sugary Drinks

Not only dosugary drinks and cocktails laced with syrups and sodas pack in the calories toan already caloric meal, they are also notorious for damaging your teeth. Opt instead for asimple glass of wine or water during your meal and save the sugary drink fordessert when you have an opportunity to brush your teeth afterward.

GetTough with Tough Turkey

Turkey ispacked with protein that is great for strong muscles and healthy gums. Butdried out turkey can often find its way in between your teeth. Carrying alittle dental floss with you can ensure any remnants of the Thanksgiving birdaren't left where they don't belong.

StrategicallyConsume Starches

Sure, thosebrowned marshmallows on top of yams look appealing and those light and fluffyrolls are calling your name, but starches left on your teeth are prime breedinggrounds for bacteria. That doesn't mean you should avoid them, simply limityour intake to a single portion and wash them down with water to limitbacteria.

PickYour Pie

When adentist looks at a pecan pie, all they see are crowns and fillings. Between thesticky pecans and the sugary filling, you are asking for a dental disaster.However, pumpkin pie, while still loaded with sugar, also contains vitamins Band C. A little strategic pie consumption followed by a thorough brushing cankeep you out of the dentist's chair. 

Revup the Veggies

Whether theyare raw or cooked, veggies are great ways to increase bacteria-fighting salivain your mouth. Plus, they are natural abrasives that keep your teeth cleanin the absence of a toothbrush. Try them with a delicious dip for a simpleappetizer that is great for your oral health. 

If you findthat your Thanksgiving dinner has left you with less-than-stellar oral health,call us today to schedule your cleaning and examination.