Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and many of our patients will be celebrating with a huge feast. While we hope everyone enjoys their favorite foods, we also want to help them avoid the onset of cavities. In today’s blog, your Austin, MN, dentists talk about how to avoid holiday-related tooth decay.
How Sugar and Starch Could Lead to Cavities
We love the holiday season, and we all love the traditional Thanksgiving dishes. But the fact is, many of our favorite dishes like stuffing, biscuits and muffins, mashed potatoes, casseroles, and others contain lots of starch. Likewise, our favorite pies, cakes, and cookies are high in sugar. Sugar and starch will likely cling to your teeth, which allows them to be consumed by bacteria in a process that leads to plaque and tartar buildup. This buildup not only causes bad breath and teeth stains, but could increase the risk of tooth decay too! Which is why we want you to take steps to enjoy your meal while also limiting your risk of developing tooth decay in the coming weeks.
Boosting Overall Oral Health
When you assemble your plate, eat your starchy and sugary favorites in moderation. You can balance your plate with fresh fruits and veggies. Some fresh items, like broccoli, carrots, and apples will help scrub away particles of food as you consume them. We also recommend a glass of water with your meal to help cleanse your smile as you eat. When you’re finished with your meal, excuse yourself to floss thoroughly! During the holidays, as with any day of the year, you need to maintain good oral hygiene habits. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, once when you wake up and then again before going to bed, for about two minutes and always use a fluoride toothpaste, which strengthens the outer enamel. Flossing before bed is essential too as this remove what a toothbrush alone cannot reach.
Checkup and Cleaning Visits
Before the holiday season becomes too hectic and the year ends, we recommend taking time to see our team for a checkup and cleaning. We will examine the smile and address any concerns we find, so you start 2023 with a healthy smile. You can also use your remaining 2022 dental insurance benefits before they expire as well! With the cleaning portion of the visit, we will remove all plaque and tartar to help reduce the risk of cavities or periodontal issues. If you have any questions, then give us a call!
Do You Have Questions About Protecting Your Smile?
We would like to help your family enjoy healthy smiles during the holiday season! To make an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312.
