The holiday season is fast approaching, and for most of us that means enjoying lots of delicious food with family and friends. But that doesn’t mean you should take a holiday from your oral health regimen. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to keep your teeth and gums healthy and still enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Focus on the veggies and dairy. There are so many foods around at Thanksgiving that are bad for your teeth, so why not focus on those that actually provide some benefit? The vitamins and minerals found in vegetables, fruits and dairy products are not only good for your overall health; they’re good for your oral health as well. Leafy greens and dairy contains lots of tooth-healthy calcium, and you’ll get plenty of vitamin C from both orange and red veggies and fruit. Just try to avoid those that are loaded with sugar.
- Speaking of sugar – avoid it (at least as much as possible). No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without dessert. Unfortunately, sugar wreaks havoc with tooth and gum health, so you should limit your intake of sugary treats. You might consider making your Thanksgiving dinner contribution a tasty dessert made with a sugar substitute (such as erythritol or xylitol, for example) that won’t contribute to tooth decay. If you do give in and enjoy that piece of pumpkin pie, help to reduce the dental damage by drinking a glass of water afterward – that will help to wash away any leftover sugar inside your mouth.
- Starches can do harm as well. In fact, the starch contained in many breads and stuffings produces the same tooth-damaging bacteria as holiday desserts. So make sure to limit your intake of starches. Instead, focus on protein, vegetables and some fruits to round out your holiday meal.
- Stay away from acidic foods and drinks. Acid can weaken the enamel layer of your teeth, so try to stay away from citrus fruits and some of the drinks that are common around the holidays – like cranberry juice and wine, for example.
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout the upcoming holidays isn’t simply a matter of avoiding certain foods – it also requires sticking to a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and visiting your dentist on a regular basis for oral exams and professional cleanings. By following this simple advice, you can easily maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout the holiday season.
