How to Show Appreciation for Your Teeth This Thanksgiving

When you ask people what they’re thankful for, there are some common answers. Family, friends, and good health are just a few. However, there’s one thing that’s often forgotten: our teeth! Your oral health makes a big difference in every part of your life, but during the holidays people can start to neglect their dental hygiene. With that in mind, here are some ways to show your appreciation for your teeth this Thanksgiving.

Double Up on Cranberry Sauce

Whether canned or homemade, everybody loves a good cranberry sauce. Even people who can’t stand sweets tend to make an exception. Fortunately, cranberries are great for your teeth. They’re rich in polyphenols, a compound that’s been demonstrated to have anti-bacterial effects. It’s also an anti-adhesive that can prevent plaque from building up on the teeth. For these reasons, polyphenols can help stave off gum disease and tooth decay. Be careful though, as many cranberry sauces are rich in sugar, which can cause oral health problems. Try finding a sauce that’s a little less sweet or, even better, make one at home!

Go Easy on the Wine

Maybe you have that relative (or maybe you are that relative) that has a bit too much to drink at dinner. There’s no problem with having fun, but wine in particular can be pretty rough on the teeth. It’s rich in a compound called tannin, which coats the mouth and blocks off your salivary glands. That can be an issue because your saliva is meant to carry away food and bacteria. A dry mouth can compound the effects of the sugars and acids in wine, which contribute to tooth decay. The alcohol in the wine also dehydrates you, making the problem even worse. Drinking in moderation is fine, but be sure to stay hydrated to offset the dry mouth.

Take Proteins, Leave Starches

People know to be cautious around dessert, but there are more insidious threats at the dining room table. Starchy foods, like stuffing and mashed potatoes, are converted easily to sugar in the mouth. For that reason, they contribute to tooth decay just the same as cake or pie. Instead of those foods, try filling up on turkey, which is rich in tooth-healthy phosphorous.

Of course, the most important thing for your teeth is good dental hygiene. Brush twice a day, and floss after meals to prevent plaque buildup.

About Our Practice

At Purple Plum Dentistry, we want taking care of your teeth to be a way you can pamper yourself. We have turned our office into a spa-like environment with soothing hand scrubs, aromatherapy bibs, and hot towels at the end of your visit. We pair this with the latest in dental technology and an expert dental team, so everyone who visits us receives the best that oral medicine has to offer. If you have any questions about how to take care of your teeth this Thanksgiving, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (703) 998-4244.