Dental
Is Thanksgiving one of your favorite holidays? If so, you may look forward to marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, gooey pecan pie, and fluffy stuffing all year long. There is one downside though: many of the foods found in feasts like these aren’t the best for your teeth. Fortunately, you can make this festive meal more smile-friendly with a few simple swaps. Read on to learn more!
1. Swap Wine for Water
On holidays, you might be tempted to have a glass of wine or two with your meal. However, it’s best to stick to water. Not only will this ensure you stay hydrated and help prevent you from over-eating, but it will also remove food particles and other debris from your teeth, reducing your risk of tooth decay.
2. Swap Buttered Bread for Cooked Veggies
Instead of filling your plate with buttered bread first, start with vegetables! Cooked carrots are a great source of vitamin C, which helps keep your gums healthy. Leafy greens, like broccoli, are a great option as well since they contain calcium – a mineral that helps strengthen your teeth.
3. Swap Pecan Pie for Pumpkin Pie
In addition to containing a lot of sugar, pecan pie has a sticky consistency that lingers on your teeth. For those two reasons, it’s best to opt for pumpkin pie instead. Although most contain added sugar, they also are loaded with vitamin A. So, it satisfies your sweet tooth and helps keep your gums healthy!
4. Swap Dried Fruits for Fresh Ones
When filling your plate, you might think that dried fruits, like cranberries, are a healthier option since they are naturally sweet. The reason it’s best to opt for fresh fruits instead is because they don’t have the same sticky consistency, which makes them easier to remove when it comes time to brush.
5. Swap Toothpicks for a Toothbrush
Usually, you might reach for a toothpick to remove food particles from your teeth after enjoying your meal. However, the sharp edge can end up doing more harm than good. For that reason, we recommend using a toothbrush instead (and floss, if you have it).
About the Practice
At Parks Family Dental, we want you to have the best of both worlds: a wonderful holiday season and a healthy, beautiful smile. That’s why we encourage our patients in Lincoln to make simple swaps where they can. If something unforeseen happens, like a crack in your enamel, we’re here to help. Not only that, but we are here to make the treatment process as seamless as possible, which is why we offer convenient appointment times as well as several financial solutions. In other words, whether you need to schedule your first checkup of 2025 or you need emergency dental care, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (402) 484-6042.