Eating more irresponsibly than usually is a defining characteristic of the Thanksgiving holidays. While it’s excusable from the point of your physical fitness (you can always work off those extra pounds), your dental health is another matter. For patients in Syosset, NY, the risks of not watching what you eat can also include issues such as an increased risk of cavities, which are caused by oral bacteria feeding on nutrients. This Thanksgiving, enjoy the feast while also enjoying the peace of mind of a healthier smile by following these few tips.
Tips to Keep Your Smile Safe
- Indulge in moderation – Not all food is inherently harmful to your teeth. In fact, some nutrients are necessary for your teeth and gums to remain healthy. The key is to moderate the harmful things you eat, such as sugar and acidic foods. Indulge in the foods you want, but do so moderately to avoid overwhelming your teeth with harmful bacterial substances.
- Keep water close – With such a feast usually comes plenty of options to drink, but be sure to keep a glass or bottle of water close by at all times. Drinking plenty of water will facilitate a healthy flow of saliva, which will naturally rinse away oral bacteria and food particles throughout the day. Water also helps to neutralize the harmful bacteria that lead to issues like cavities.
- Load up on veggies – Veggies contain plenty of the nutrients your teeth need to stay strong, such as calcium and phosphate. As you load your plate with everything you see, be sure to include plenty of vegetables. The more colorful the better, as different colored veggies contain different varieties of essential minerals and nutrients.
- Brush and floss after the meal – After the grand Thanksgiving meal, be sure to brush and floss your teeth carefully to clean away lingering food debris and oral bacteria. Preferably, wait at least 30 minutes after eating. If you brush and floss too soon, your enamel may still be weak from the exposure to so many different foods, and you may risk harming your teeth’s surfaces.
Treat a Cavity by Calling Your Dentist
If you already have a cavity, or if you develop one after all of the holiday feasting, then you can still protect your smile by having it treated as soon as possible. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Syosset Dental in Syosset, NY today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678.
