Turkey Day Dental Tips
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and that means spending time with family and friends, and of course a feast of turkey, stuffing, pies, and cakes to look forward to. While we enjoy the holidays and all the joy that it brings, our dental health can often be overlooked. To help you have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving this year, Dental Designs of White Marsh would like to share with you some Thanksgiving Day dental tips to take care of your teeth while still enjoying everything the holidays have to offer. Limit Sticky Foods – Foods like cookies, pies, and gummies tend to stick to your teeth, allowing sugar to stay in your mouth longer and slowly eat away at your enamel. This continuously acidic environment Try to avoid these foods, or have them in moderation. If you have to eat candies, make sure to space them out throughout the day, which brings us to our next tip… Cut down on Snacking – Continuously eating sweats throughout the day prevents your teeth from ever getting a rest from the acid that bacteria produce in your mouth. Over time, this continuous exposure to acid is a major cause of cavities. Try to limit your food intake to the three main meals, and minimize grazing on sweets in between your meals. Drink Plenty of Water – Water not only keeps your body hydrated, it serves as an effective way to prevent bacteria build-up in your mouth. You may have heard of ” ̃dry mouth’ and it’s devastating effects on the teeth, avoid this by staying hydrated. In addition, it’s always adviseable to drink water in place of other sugar drinks like soda and juice. Brush and Floss – This one goes without saying, but with all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to get off track with your regular flossing and brushing routine. Always make time to clean your teeth at least twice a day, and bring a travel brush and toothpaste with you if you are spending Thanksgiving away from home. Make Your Check-Up Appointment – If you haven’t already, make sure to set up your six month hygiene and check-up appointment. This is your first line of defense against cavities and gum disease. One of our hygienists can scrub your teeth and Drs. Weng and Santos can check up on your mouth for any signs of disease. This prevents issues before they become more uncomfortable or costly.