THIS TIME HAVE A TEETH HEALTHY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and family and enjoy some good food. However, the holiday is also notorious for tempting people into overindulging. While the occasional indulgence won’t cause any problems, eating too much can cause tooth sensitivity, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Brush and Floss Daily

Thanksgiving is a busy holiday, with things to do in the kitchen, dining room, or living room. However, food particles can easily get stuck in between the teeth and cause decay if not removed. After you eat, take a moment to brush and floss your teeth so you can enjoy the day without the distraction of tooth pain.

If you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, be careful not to snack on mince pies or other sweets as you cook. These treats can stick to your teeth and cause tooth decay if you are not careful. Try to avoid snacking on them throughout the day as well.

Drink Water After Your Meal

Thanksgiving meals are a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends and indulge in the great big meal you’ve been waiting for all year. Unfortunately, all of that delicious food can do a number on your oral health if you aren’t careful. By simply drinking water instead of indulging in sodas or juices, you can protect your smile from tooth decay. Water will help rinse away harmful bacteria and food particles left behind from your Thanksgiving feast.

In addition to drinking water throughout the day, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss once a day. Also, don’t forget to schedule your six-month checkup! Contact our office today to reserve your appointment with the dentist in Albuquerque. We’d love to hear from you!

Eat a Healthy Thanksgiving Meal

Just because you’re eating a lot of food doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your health goals! Here are a few ideas for how you can make a delicious, healthy Thanksgiving dinner:

• Opt for fresh fruits rather than pie. Pie is delicious but contains refined sugar and tons of calories. Fruits are a great source of fiber and natural sugars.
• Use less sugar in recipes – don’t add more than a teaspoon of sugar per cup of something you’re making. Try sweetening foods naturally with applesauce or honey.
• Vegetables are full of nutrients that are good for your smile. Incorporate them into your dishes as much as possible.
• Avoid snacking between meals on sugary treats like candy or baked goods. Instead, opt for nuts, cheese, or vegetables.
• Cheese is full of calcium and protein, which are great for the health of your teeth. It also increases your saliva production to wash away bacteria and combat acids that cause tooth decay.
• Turkey's skin is filled with bacteria that can cause gum disease. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the skin before eating it to remove as much of this bacteria as possible.
• Try to drink water throughout the day instead of sugary drinks. Drinking water will help keep your mouth hydrated and prevent decay.
• Be mindful of how often you snack during the day, and try not to overeat at mealtimes. Overeating can increase your chances of developing cavities and other oral health issues.
• Choose a veggie-based side dish instead of a carb-heavy one like mashed potatoes. Potatoes are dense and can stick to teeth causing damage.

To learn more about our dental procedures, call us at 505-797-1000 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Drive NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.