Thanksgiving should be a day to relax, enjoy family & friends and sit down to a fabulous meal with your loved ones. And of course, discussing what we are thankful for… and maybe a little football. But with all the non-stop eating and grazing that people tend to do on Thanksgiving, it’s not a great day for your teeth.
To prepare for the upcoming holiday, here are four tooth tips on how to have a smile-friendly day:
Have a glass of water every time you eat.
One of the worst things you can do for your teeth is snack all day long. When you snack frequently, your saliva doesn’t have time to clean your teeth, therefore bacteria continues to breed. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food.
Avoid foods that stain teeth.
Thanksgiving staples like pecan pie and cranberries are two of the most delicious and tooth-staining treats. Stay away from foods that have a strong coloring, since these colors can wind up on your teeth. That means stick to just a half a glass of the red wine as well.
Brush at least three times throughout the day.
Although travel may inhibit your ability to brush like you would at home, it’s important that you try your best. Remember to pack your toothbrush and clean teeth at least three times throughout the day, especially after eating a meal or snacking.
Don’t forget to floss.
Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth. Floss immediately after eating to remove any left over particles from between your teeth. This can be especially critical after partaking in those extra sticky items like pecan pie.
Following these simple tips on Thanksgiving (and year round!), will give your teeth many more years of health. That’s something to smile about and be thankful for!
Call our office today at (562) 434-6414 to schedule an appointment for a post-Thanksgiving teeth cleaning!
