Many of our favorite holiday foods contain ingredients that promote tooth decay. However, instead of avoiding these items completely, we want to make sure our Richfield, MN, patients enjoy their meal without putting their smile at risk. Don’t let tooth decay ruin your Thanksgiving celebration!
Brush and Floss
By practicing good dental hygiene at home, you remove food particles and help prevent the onset of tooth decay. We suggest brushing your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed. Each session should take two minutes and involve a toothpaste that contains fluoride. We also suggest flossing before bed and if possible, after your meal.
Enjoy Sugary/Starchy Foods in Moderation
Bacteria love to break down sugar and starch particles, increasing oral acidity and causing plaque buildup to accumulate in the process. Over time, this weakens tooth enamel and leads to the onset of tooth decay. Sugary foods may include pies, cookies, and cakes. Starchy foods often include mashed potatoes, biscuits, cornbread, and sweet potatoes. Enjoy these foods in moderation!
Drink Water
When you have a glass of water with your meal, you help rinse away sugary and starchy food particles. Since water also contains no acids or sugars, this won’t put your smile at risk. While on the subject of drinks, we want to let our patients know that should they drink wine with their meal, they should rinse with water and wait 30 minutes before brushing their teeth that night, as wine’s acidic content often softens tooth enamel.
Schedule a Cleaning
A post-holiday dental cleaning allows our team to carefully remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth. The procedure helps ensure good oral health and reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You also have a chance to use your 2018 dental benefits before they expire at the end of December! If you have any questions, please contact our team today.
Do You Need a Cleaning?
Let our team help you maintain optimal oral health throughout the holiday season. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
