During Thanksgiving, we at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan look forward to all the fantastic food and spending time with our friends and family just like you. While we don’t want you to think too much when you celebrate around the holidays, we think it is a good time to talk about certain foods and how they may effect your teeth and overall health.
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, and throughout the year.
Pies, potato casseroles, breads, and stuffing are all tasty foods common to the Thanksgiving table that are loaded with sugar. Sugar, as well as any carb you eat, can start the process of feeding the bacteria in your mouth that can cause cavities. Acidic foods can break down or weaken your teeth’s enamel, which makes teeth more prone to decay. Acidic foods include juices and dairy as well as many foods that are 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 traditional Thanksgiving foods are rich in vitamins and nutrients that are actually helpful to our teeth and gums. Examples include leafy greens, cabbages, Brussel sprouts, beets, carrots, and cauliflower. Be sure to include some of these with your Thanksgiving meal.
Another good tip to keeping your mouth healthy is to bring your toothbrush with you if you are traveling this holiday! Be sure to floss and brush after you gobble down the feast (once your turkey tryptophan coma wears off). We actually recommend waiting for about an hour after any meal as 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 and then 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 hard calculus buildup on your teeth is removed, which is not possible with regular brushing and flossing.
We sincerely hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with warm memories and many smiles.
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 and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Preferred Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
