With holiday tables filled with special treats, you might think Thanksgiving isn’t good for your dental health. Fortunately, it’s not that tough to minimize any negative effects on your smile. Check out our teeth-friendly tips:

  • Go Ahead and Have Seconds of Turkey – Turkey is one of the least problematic foods on your Thanksgiving table. About the only dental issue you have to worry about is if it gets caught in your teeth. If so, try to remove it as soon as possible. Since it’s packed with protein, it’s good for the rest of your body too. 
  • Choose Side Dishes Carefully – Avoid starches and sugars in side dishes as much as possible. Don’t be fooled by the lack of sugar in mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. Starchy food turns to sugar in your mouth. Take small portions of those. Peas, green beans, and carrots are good choices if they aren’t in prepared in a sweet or starchy sauce. 
  • Pumpkin Is the Best Pie Choice – Pumpkin is one of the best choices for pie. It typically contains less sugar than berry, apple, or other options. Pumpkin also contains vitamin A, which strengthens your tooth enamel. It’s best to fight the temptation to top it off with whipped cream.
  • Drink Plenty of Water – Water is absolutely the best choice for a beverage. It lacks the sugars and acids that can damage teeth. It also helps rinse away food debris. We know you may get tired of drinking nothing but water. Unsweetened iced tea isn’t too harmful, though it can stain teeth. If you can, rinse your mouth with water after drinking it. Skip the soda. It is especially bad for teeth, since it is highly acidic and contains lots of sugar. 
  • Don’t Forget to Brush & Floss – We know you probably can’t wait to hit the couch for a nap after your big meal, but take the time to brush and floss first if you can. If not, then rinse your mouth out with water. 
  • Get In an Exam and Cleaning Before the End of the Year – We suggest getting an exam and cleaning every six months. If you are overdue for these services, you still have time to make an appointment before the end of the year. We’ll remove cavity-causing plaque from your teeth and also look for any small issues that may require treatment to prevent them from becoming more serious problems.

Call Aberdeen Smiles at 605-277-9049 to make an appointment or schedule online.