Don't Let Thanksgiving Dinner Damage Your Teeth: A Survival Guide

It’s almost time for one of the most celebrated meals in American culture. Gathering with loved ones over turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie is a treasured tradition. 

It’s also one that can set you up for oral health problems. All of the sweet parts of Thanksgiving dinner and dessert give plaque the sugar it needs to thrive, eating into your teeth. It’s not all bad news, though. Some parts of the traditional meal actually support your oral health. Turkey, for example, contains phosphorus and protein that help keep your teeth healthy and strong. 

All told, you don’t need to choose between enjoying Thanksgiving and protecting your teeth. To help you savor the season while preventing cavities and gum problems, Nisha Modi, DMD, and our Miracle Smile Dental team developed this guide. And if you need assistance avoiding  dental issues after Thanksgiving, you can visit our office in Aubrey, Texas.

Here are a few things you can do during the holiday to avoid damaging your teeth: 

Eat dinner before dessert

The good news is that the standard order of Thanksgiving dinner helps you defend against tooth decay. When you eat, your body naturally produces more saliva, which helps your body digest, and it also supports your teeth. 

Your saliva disintegrates some bacteria that can damage your teeth. Plus, with more saliva, food is more likely to get washed away rather than sticking to your teeth. 

That means the pie or other dessert you have after Thanksgiving dinner has less chance of causing oral health problems.

Apply this thinking to the way you organize your plate. If your family does sweet sides like candied yams, eat the non-sugary parts of your meal before you dig into those. 

Rinse your mouth after sugary drinks

It’s not just the food that poses a risk at Thanksgiving. Cider, eggnog, and other sweet drinks of the season also give plaque the sugar it needs to thrive. 

That’s not to say you can’t enjoy them. But after you finish your glass, drink some water to rinse as much of that sugar as possible off the surfaces of your teeth. 

Maintain your oral hygiene habits

Take extra time to clean your teeth before you go to bed on Thanksgiving. Spend a little longer brushing, making sure you get every surface of each tooth. Don’t go to sleep without flossing, either. 

After the holiday is over and the leftovers are gone, check when you last had a teeth cleaning. If it’s been six months or more, now’s a great time to schedule one. You can use our convenient online booking tool to book your appointment or contact us at 469-765-3567 today.