The average American will consume about 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day
The holidays are upon us.
It’s a time for family gatherings, company parties and friendly get-togethers. Whether you’re hosting or being hosted, there’s one thing they all have in common – food. There will be tempting treats and delicious drinks.
Maybe it should be called the season of overindulgence?!
But here’s the thing… Thanksgiving (and the rest of the holiday season for that matter) doesn’t have to end with an unwanted trip to the dentist. You can survive the holidays and still keep that healthy, happy smile.
Limit the sugar.
Can’t wait for that slice of pumpkin pie? It’s ok to enjoy it, but grab that toothbrush when you’re done. Sugar takes a long time to break down inside your mouth and that means bacteria and an increased chance of cavities and tooth decay.
Sugar attracts harmful bacteria that destroy the tooth’s enamel, which can cause a cavity in the affected tooth.
Don’t be a grazer.
While it’s fun to eat here and there all day long, it’s better to enjoy the meal and be done. All-day grazing increases acid to build up, which lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Balance your buffet.
While those carb-rich foods like pie, rolls, stuffing and potatoes are what you crave, be sure to balance them out with healthier foods like fruits and veggies.
Say no to sticky foods.
Sticky foods stay on and in between your teeth and can damage the enamel. The key is to go for foods or candy that dissolve quickly. Instead of caramels and candy canes, opt for plain dark chocolate.
Keep the water flowing.
Enjoy a soda and/or alcoholic drink and then opt for water. If you don’t have a toothbrush handy, rinse your mouth out periodically to wash away food particles and bacteria.
Rinsing with water should be done within the first half hour after exposure to sugar or acid.
Floss is boss.
It’s perfectly OK to bring along a toothbrush and brush after a meal to keep your teeth clean. You should also bring along some floss to remove food from those hard to reach areas that can affect your gum health.
At Bedminster Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to have a happy and healthy holiday season — and that includes your smile. If you’ve been putting off that dental check up, there’s still time! Call us today for an appointment.
Dr. Mike Mavrostomos is passionate about providing top-quality, comprehensive dental care. He is located in Bedminster, NJ whose continual pursuit of education and state-of-the-art dentistry has led to his being recognized as one of New Jersey’s Top Dentists by the New Jersey Top-Docs committee.