Your Thanksgiving dinner next week may not look like your usual get-togethers, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be skipping your favorite holiday dishes. However, since many of these items contain lots of sugar and starches, this could mean a higher risk of cavities. In today’s blog, your Olathe, KS, dentists will explain what you can do to help protect your smile.
Sugar, Starch, and Cavities
Sugar is a major part of your cakes, pies, cranberry sauce, or other holiday sweets. Starch is often found in potato-based dishes, as well as stuffing, biscuits, muffins, and more. Both of these ingredients tend to become stuck to the teeth and in between them. Without removal, these particles could be broken down by bacteria, a process that means higher oral acidity and plaque buildup, a major factor behind both tooth decay and gum disease. However, there are steps you can take to help keep your smile strong.
Protecting Your Teeth and Gums
During your dinner, try to limit the number of sugary and starchy food you consume. Drinking water with your meal also helps cleanse your smile and rinse away ingredients. If you enjoy fresh fruits and veggies with your meal, especially items like carrots, apples, and broccoli, you can help scrub away food particles clinging to the teeth.
Care at Home and in Our Office
You also need to maintain good oral hygiene practices. In the morning and before bed, even on holidays, you need to brush your teeth for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing before bed is also essential, as this removes what a toothbrush cannot reach. You may also consider flossing after each meal too! Every six months, try to see us for a checkup, so we can keep an eye on your smile and address any developing issues, such as a cavity or gingivitis. We also clean your teeth, using an ultrasonic scaler to remove all plaque and tartar. Scheduling a visit soon is a chance to start the holidays with a healthier smile, and to also use your dental insurance benefits and health savings funds before they expire at the close of December.
COVID-19 Safety Tips
To keep yourself safe, and your family members who are older or have compromised immune systems safe, you should avoid large indoor gatherings, wear a mask when out and about, and wash your hands frequently.
Do You Have Questions About Avoiding Tooth Decay?
We want to help you maintain strong, bright smiles throughout the year. For more information on safeguarding smiles from cavities and gum disease, or to schedule a dental consultation, call E-Care Dentistry, PA in Olathe, KS, today at 913-210-1701. We also proudly serve patients from Overland Park, Lenexa, and all surrounding communities.