Royal Oak and Birmingham, MI
As Thanksgiving approaches, what are you thankful for this year? Family, friends, your home, your job, and even your pets likely will make the list. Have you ever thought about giving thanks for your smile, though? After all, your teeth work hard for you for 365 days a year. Your Birmingham family dentist at Hartrick Dentistry suggests you show appreciation to your smile this Thanksgiving by making sure it is protected for the holiday season.
That Thanksgiving feast can threaten your oral health
Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, or high in acid, can cause the biggest problems for your teeth. Unfortunately, these high-sugar and highly acidic options are in abundance during the holiday season. When you eat or drink something with a high sugar content, any lingering sugar particles in your mouth become a food source for cavity-causing bacteria. Acid is arguably even more harmful. Unlike sugars, which are converted into acids by those bacteria, any acid you eat directly goes to work deteriorating your tooth enamel—the protective outer layer of your tooth structure. How you eat is important as well. When you eat a lengthy meal, or snack sporadically all day long, your teeth experience more exposure from these potentially harmful sugars, starches, and acids. Try to limit meal times and curtail snacking. How? We recommend planning some activities at holiday get-togethers that are not food-related.
Limit the sweets
Cake, cookies, candy, fudge, sweets… they’re all seemingly everywhere during the holiday season. We believe it is too harsh to try and bar yourself and your family from eating sweets during the holidays, but remember that balance is crucial. Limit your consumption of these sweets—not only to help your teeth but also in the name of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One small purchase that can help manage a sweet tooth is a pack of sugar-free gum. Chewing gum can fulfill that craving without the potential oral health risks from sugar, while also promoting the production of saliva, a natural lubricant that scrubs away food particles before they can accumulate on or between tour teeth. While we know that you will want to enjoy some pie this Thanksgiving, pop some sugar-free gum in your mouth afterward to help remove food particles and sugars that may accumulate.
H2O is the way to go
At any time of the year, water is the healthiest beverage choice available. Pure drinking water has zero calories, contains no sugars, and is not acidic. It will not increase your risk of cavities and is also the best source of hydration you can have. When you drink water during a meal, or even just rinse with it after a meal, it helps keep your mouth clean. This can be especially handy when eating that Thanksgiving meal loaded with sweets and carbs—as is the case on many holidays. Looking to bolster your dental health? Put aside the water bottle and drink tap water, assuming it comes from a fluoridated water supply.
Dental cleanings in Royal Oak
Maintaining optimal oral health means finding the right dental practice to care for your family. At Hartrick Dentistry, Dr. Nancy Hartrick and her team of dental professionals pride themselves on treating each individual with care and respect, while also using state-of-the-art tools and techniques to meet all of their oral health needs. We welcome patients of any age to our comfortable facility. To learn more about our services or schedule a tour of our facility, call (248) 549-0950 to schedule a consultation.
Hartrick Dentistry is proud to serve the dental needs of patients in the areas of Royal Oak and Birmingham in Michigan.