Thanksgiving is celebrated with much enthusiasm in the United States. Because of all the tasty food, people tend to take a longer time to eat. As a result, the meals sometimes get spilled on the teeth, causing cavities.

Although this time of year is focused on feasting, there are things you can do to keep your smiles healthy. Here they are:

Watch What You Eat

One way is by staying away from foods like candy, which can quickly promote tooth decay. It also helps to chew sugar-free gum after eating those treats to balance the pH in your mouth and wash away the food particles left behind. Drinking water can also help rinse away food debris that lingers on your teeth after a meal. 

Eat and drink in moderation. Many traditional Thanksgiving foods, such as turkey and pumpkin pie, are delicious but contain high amounts of sugar and starch. While the occasional indulgence isn’t likely to damage your smile, consuming these excess amounts regularly can be harmful to your teeth.

Limit Between-Meal Snacks

Your mouth produces bacteria during meals that eat away at your enamel and cause cavities. This bacteria feeds on food particles left behind when you’ve finished eating; the longer you wait to brush and floss your teeth, the more cavity-causing plaque will form. If you snack throughout the day, the leftover food will stick around in your mouth longer and increase the risk of developing cavities. Carry water with you at all times and sip it frequently to help flush your mouth of harmful bacteria and food debris. 

Brushing and Flossing

After you’re done with your Thanksgiving meal, be sure to floss your teeth to remove any food particles that are stuck between your teeth and around your gums. Food particles that aren’t removed can cause cavities or gum disease to form.

In addition to flossing after you eat, you should make sure you are brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Brushing removes plaque from the surface of your teeth which helps to keep them clean. You should also make sure to schedule regular cleanings and exams with your dentist to keep your smile healthy and clean.

At Point Loma Family Dentistry, our team is dedicated to providing you with excellent dental care in a relaxing atmosphere. To know more about treatments offered by our dentist, call us at (619) 223-3811 and schedule an appointment to visit the dental practice.