Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. We look forward to all the fantastic food and hanging out enjoying quality time with family and friends.
However, it is also a time when most Americans eat more than any other time of year. Did you know that the average American consumes more than 4,500 calories on that day? As you celebrate, remember that it is important to keep your dental health in mind. Sugar is the top ingredient ingested that can affect your oral health and lead to tooth decay. Just like our bodies, our teeth and gums need essential vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. Luckily, there are plenty of options for healthier foods offered on this special day.
Pies, potato casseroles, breads, and stuffing are all tasty foods offered on Thanksgiving that are loaded with sugar. Sugar, as well as any carbohydrate you eat, can kickstart the overgrowth of the sugar-eating bacteria in your mouth which cause cavities. Acidic foods can break down your teeth’s enamel, which makes teeth more prone to decay. Acidic foods include many juices and fruits as well as many foods high in sugar.
Keep in mind, that these foods are not all bad. Turkey is high in phosphorous which helps to rebuild tooth enamel. Many of the foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients that are actually helpful to our teeth and gums, particularly leafy greens, cabbages, Brussel sprouts, beets, carrots, and cauliflower. You may consider adding some of these to your Thanksgiving meal.
Another good tip to help keep your mouth healthy is to simply rinse your mouth with water after you eat to help offset any sugar or acid on your teeth. Of course, we recommend that everyone brush and floss after you gobble down the feast. However, wait for at least an hour after you eat to brush. Food high in acid softens the enamel on your teeth, and if you brush right away, you are actually brushing away layers of protective tooth enamel. So enjoy your family a little longer after the meal before you brush.
Probably the most important thing to do for your teeth and oral health is to be sure to schedule your six-month check-ups. This will ensure that any tarter buildup on your teeth is removed, which typically can only be removed by a hygienist or dentist with special instruments.
Enjoy the holiday, and keep smiling!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
