Thanksgiving gives Americans a great excuse to eat delicious food and watch football. However, it’s important to know which food to avoid to maintain optimal oral health. Even though certain food tastes incredible, it may have negative effects on your teeth.

Contact us today for your oral health needs!

Consider these three Thanksgiving tips to keep your teeth happy and healthy during the holidays:

Minimize Sugar Intake

After an incredible Thanksgiving dinner, it’s incredible that we even have room for dessert. However, how can anyone resist delicious pumpkin or pecan pie? Unfortunately, the sugar in your Thanksgiving dessert contributes to cavity-causing bacteria. So, after eating your weight in pie, brush your teeth with cavity-fighting toothpaste. (Fun fact: Did you know that the average person will spend roughly 38 days of their life brushing their teeth?)

Avoid Acidic Food

Even though your teeth’s enamel is the hardest part of your body, acid takes a toll on enamel. Avoid acidic food and drinks such as cranberry sauce, blueberries, coffee, and wine. If you can’t resist cranberry sauce or blueberry pie, make sure to drink water after consuming these dishes. Water will help wash away the acid from these foods.

Eat Your Veggies

Vegetables are healthy for you; but are also great for your gums and teeth. Red and orange vegetables (such as tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and squash) are high in Vitamin C which is great for your gum health. Leafy green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage) are high in calcium. Calcium contributes to strong teeth. So, load up your plate with turkey and vegetables and your teeth will be thanking you.

If you haven’t visited Dr. Strandburg recently, schedule an appointment with him today for a dental cleaning. With the holidays approaching, you want your teeth to be in top-notch shape for the delicious dinners coming your way!