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Thanksgiving is the time of year where we slow down and take stock of all we have to be thankful for. We gather together and spend quality time with our loved ones over a mouthwatering feast. We laugh, we talk, and we eat until we feel we might pop. All of these activities have something in common – they require a healthy set of teeth – yet giving thanks for dental health has probably rarely crossed your mind.
A healthy mouth improves your overall health, and that’s truly something to be thankful for! Teeth are not only functional, but they are fascinating as well. Check out these awesome facts that will increase your appreciation for your pearly whites:
- Your teeth are unique to you – just like a fingerprint! Did you know even identical twins don’t have identical teeth?
- Teeth are like icebergs. About a third of each tooth lies underneath your gums, which is why gum health is so important.
- Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body. It protects the outer layer of your teeth and is stronger than your bones!
- Dentin, the layer of tooth beneath the enamel that allows the transmission of nerve signals, continues to grow and develop throughout your life while enamel stops growing.
- Your mouth houses 300 types of bacteria, some of which are the main culprits of tooth decay.
Now that we’ve established just how interesting teeth are, we can all recognize how important it is to take extra care with them. Our teeth get a lot of wear and tear on holidays, especially on Thanksgiving. We’ve compiled a list of foods to avoid to ensure you don’t go cold turkey on your oral hygiene this Thanksgiving:
- Reach for the turkey over the sugared ham.
- Sweet hams are crusted with sugar which is harmful to teeth and can lead to tooth decay. Turkey contains phosphorus which can aid in strengthening your teeth.
- Skip the starches.
- Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing will all leave starchy substances stuck on your teeth that will encourage bad bacteria to thrive. Opt for raw veggies or a cheese and nut board instead.
- Avoid the pies and desserts.
- Pies, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casseroles are usually filled with sugar. Try making your own versions of pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, without all the added sugar. Pumpkin is full of calcium and Vitamin C which promotes gum health, and cranberries can help prevent plaque build-up.
- Ditch the sugary drinks and alcohol.
- These drinks coat your teeth in damaging sugar, and lead to tooth discoloration. Drinks high in alcohol can also dry your mouth out which reduces the amount of saliva to help remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your tooth.
These are all great guidelines to follow; however, no one wants to limit themselves from the fun, especially on a holiday. We get it. Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of your aunt’s famous pecan pie all year long. Indulging in these treats is to be expected, but here are some helpful tips to hopefully minimize any lasting damage to your teeth:
1. Don’t graze on food all day long. Constantly exposing your teeth to holiday foods all day long will lead to a continuous coating of sugary and starchy substances. It’s better to pick a meal time and stick with it.
2. Drink lots of water. Drinking lots of water will help flush out the sugars and food particles that may try to stick to your teeth and cause damage.
3. Brush often. Brush after each meal to minimize the amount of time that sugars and any leftover food sit on your teeth.
4. Schedule your next dentist appointment. Call Simply Smiles to schedule a dental check-up. We will give you a professional cleaning so you can smile with gratitude, knowing your oral health is in good hands.
What are you most excited to eat this Thanksgiving? Got any sugar-free recipes? Tell us about it in the comments!
Sources:
https://www.artistictouchdentistry.com/general-dentistry/thanksgiving-oral-health/
https://omsnashville.com/blog/oral-health/4-reasons-to-be-thankful-for-your-teeth/
https://whistlerdental.com/blog/these-thanksgiving-foods-can-hurt-your-teeth/