With Thanksgiving now just a few days away you may be joining your friends or family for a holiday feast. While enjoying the scrumptious offerings is fun, be aware of the risk certain foods can pose to your oral health. With the right steps, you can safeguard your smile this Thanksgiving from tooth decay and gum disease.
Try Our Holiday Quiz
- True or False: What you eat doesn’t impact your smile.
- True or False: You should drink plenty of water.
- True or False: You can offer healthier options.
- True or False: You should try and floss when possible.
Answer Key
- False. If you consume foods with a high amount of sugar and other starches then bacteria can break down these particles. As bacteria consume the bits of sugar oral acidity increases, as does plaque buildup, which weakens your tooth’s defenses.
- True. Tap water contains fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen your smile’s defenses against tooth decay. In addition, water contains no sugar and can help rinse away bits of food and bacteria.
- True. No need to leave out the holiday favorites, but you can also offer a few healthy alternatives. Try including raw veggies, nuts, and cheeses. They contain calcium and can also lead to saliva production, which helps cleanse the smile of bacteria and food particles. For a sweeter option, try pieces of fresh fruit and low fat yogurt to dip them in.
- True. Floss removes the food particles your toothbrush simply can’t reach. In addition to floss nightly before you go to bed, consider bringing a little floss container with you and flossing after each meal. Doing so can improve oral health and help reduce the risk of periodontal problems and cavities. If you have any questions about avoiding cavities this holiday, contact our office today.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
