Is your sweet tooth already craving your grandma’s pumpkin or pecan pie? Thanksgiving might still be a few weeks away, but it’s important to plan for the big day, especially if you want to protect your pearly whites. Before you add a slice (or two or three) to your plate, consider these smile-friendly options that deliver great flavor without compromising your oral health.
Sweets & Teeth: Why You Need To Be Careful
The holidays make it hard to avoid sweets altogether, but overindulging can put your teeth in harm’s way. Sugary, sticky foods and beverages are known for causing cavities and gum disease, putting smiles of all ages at risk, especially around Thanksgiving.
As bacteria inside your mouth turn sugars and carbohydrates into harmful acids, they break down tooth enamel. This leads to cavities and ultimately, restorative dental care.
Neglecting your oral hygiene routine and/or snacking on and off throughout the day can put your smile at greater risk of decay.
Which Desserts Are Safest to Eat?
Your dentist isn’t saying you can’t enjoy a serving of pecan pie, but if you want to protect your teeth and gums this time of year, you might consider these healthier, smile-friendly options:
- Dark chocolate because it has less sugar than its milk counterpart
- Peppermint tea instead of hot chocolate or soda
- Rice pudding instead of ice cream because it has less sugar and calories
- Apple crisp is rich in calcium
- Calcium-rich cheeses to protect against enamel erosion
Ways to Enjoy Dessert & Protect Your Smile
Even if you decide to partake in a healthier dessert this Thanksgiving, you still need to give your smile the attention it deserves. You’ll need to:
- Stick to your oral hygiene routine, regardless of whether you are at home or traveling. Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, floss before bed, and rinse with a dentist-approved mouthwash to remove food debris.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and your salivary glands neutralizing harmful acids that may try to eat away at your tooth enamel.
- Avoid harmful habits that can damage your teeth, such as eating ice or biting down on hard holiday foods like brittle, candy canes, and other treats.
- See your dentist before the holidays to undergo a thorough checkup and cleaning. This helps ensure your teeth stay healthy and beautiful, so you can smile confidently for family photos.
A few smart dessert swaps at Thanksgiving can positively impact your oral health. Feel free to enjoy the flavors of the holiday and indulge in moderation, but keep in mind all the ways you can enjoy a healthier, happier smile this time of year.
About the Practice
Our dentists at Williamsburg Dental know that the holidays bring opportunities for overindulgence. We want our patients to enjoy the various sweets and starches that fill their plates, but we also encourage healthier choices to prevent cavities and gum disease. If you need help preparing for Thanksgiving, whether you’re near or far, visit our website to schedule a consultation.