As fun — and spooky — as it is, Halloween is the holiday that most negatively impacts teeth. After all, eating candy by the pound is a quintessential component of the holiday, especially for children. Hopefully, you and your family made it through without any oral health problems, but you still need to be aware of the state of your mouth as we enter the next round of holidays. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and believe it or not, the feasts associated with this holiday can impact your oral, and overall, health. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist talks about the most common components of the Thanksgiving meal and how each one can affect your smile.
Turkey
Turkey is the centerpiece of the majority of Thanksgiving meals. It is full of protein and hopefully flavor, and is what many of us associate most with the holiday. Luckily, turkey doesn’t pose any harm to your teeth outside of potentially getting stuck between them. This is easily remedied by flossing after you eat. It is always a good idea to floss at least once a day, but if you notice food caught between your teeth, you should floss as soon as possible to prevent any bacterial buildup.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes and gravy are another key component of the Thanksgiving feast. Few would argue that it is incredibly delicious and quintessential comfort food. Potatoes are a good source of several nutrients, including vitamin C, B6, and potassium. On the flip side, this dish contains quite a bit of starch, and bacteria are drawn to the sugars contained within it. Gravy is also quite fatty, most of the time, which isn’t great for your overall health. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t enjoy this delectable dish. Rather, just be aware of its impact and be sure to brush your teeth after indulging in your meal. Really, you should brush your teeth after most multi-faceted meals, as this is a key component of preventative oral healthcare, along with visiting the dentist for regularly scheduled cleanings and exams.
Cranberry Sauce
Ah, cranberry sauce, you are one of the more polarizing dishes. Depending on how it is made, cranberry sauce can be filled with sugar and acids, which can harm — and stain — your teeth. While this dish won’t harm immediately harm your smile in the way that similarly sweet and sticky Halloween candy might, it is still wise to drink plenty of water while eating it to rinse off any bits of it that may stick to your teeth.
Contact Us To Learn More
If you have additional questions about the effects of the thanksgiving meal on your smile, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! You can contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669.