The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course – FOOD! While it is definitely important to enjoy all of the wonderful Thanksgiving dishes, it is also crucial to remember to take care of your teeth.

The Importance of Dental Health During Thanksgiving

The holidays are a time of indulgence, and your teeth may face extra challenges. Eating lots of sugary sweets, drinking more than usual, and engaging in stress eating can all take a toll on your dental health. If you’re not careful, it is easy to neglect good oral hygiene over the Thanksgiving period. Common dental health problems that can arise over the holidays include:

• Tooth decay caused by an increase in sugary foods and drinks.
• Gum disease caused by a lack of proper brushing and flossing.
• Tooth enamel erosion or discoloration due to acidic beverages.
• Jaw pain from eating too quickly and without chewing properly.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your teeth healthy and strong during the holidays.

Dental Health Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving

The most important thing to do during the Thanksgiving holiday is to keep up with your dental hygiene routine. Here are some dental health tips for a happy Thanksgiving:

1. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day:

Make sure to brush for at least two minutes and floss between each tooth to remove plaque and food particles that can cause decay. It can be easy to not keep up with your dental hygiene routine during the holidays, but it is important to remain diligent.

2. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks:

Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and cavities, so try to avoid eating or drinking too much of it throughout the holiday season. If you do indulge in sweets and other sugary treats, make sure to brush and floss 30 minutes afterwards. Do not brush immediately, as your teeth are already vulnerable from the sugars and acids present in food and drinks. Doing this could lead to enamel damage.

3. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly:

Eating too quickly can lead to discomfort and pain in the jaw muscles. Make sure to take your time and chew each bite at least 20-30 times before swallowing. This will not only help you digest your food better, but it will also reduce the risk of developing cavities from eating sugary food and drinking acidic beverages.

4. Drink plenty of water:

Staying hydrated is important not just for general health, but also for your dental health. Drinking lots of water throughout the day will help to flush out plaque-causing bacteria from your mouth and keep it clean and healthy. It can also help to reduce the risk of tooth decay.

5. Visit your dentist:

It is important to schedule regular dental check-ups, especially around the holidays when you may be indulging in more sugary treats than usual. Your dentist can also help to give you advice on how to keep your teeth healthy during the holiday season.

Following these tips will help you maintain a healthy, happy mouth during the holiday season and beyond! Remember to take care of your teeth so that you can enjoy all of the deliciousness that comes with Thanksgiving without having to worry about any dental health problems.

What to Do if You Experience a Dental Emergency on Thanksgiving

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a dental emergency can occur. If you experience pain or discomfort in your teeth or gums on Thanksgiving Day, it is important to seek help immediately. Visit the nearest emergency dentist for prompt treatment and advice about how to prevent further damage. Here are some tips on what to do depending on the situation:

Broken Tooth:

Gently rinse the affected area with warm salt water and cover the broken parts of the tooth with wax or sugarless gum. Make sure not to swallow any pieces of broken tooth, as this could lead to complications. Visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible to repair the damage.

If a permanent tooth falls out, then you should contact a dentist as soon as possible. You have a limited amount of time to reattach the tooth. You should try to collect as much of the tooth as possible. If possible, try to insert the tooth back into the socket and use a washcloth to press the tooth into place. This may be harder with some children, especially if they have pain in their mouth. If you cannot place the tooth, then submerge the tooth in milk until you arrive at the dentist’s office, either in a cup or plastic baggie. The milk will help preserve the roots of the tooth and keep it alive until the dentist can connect the tooth again. The quicker you arrive at the dentist, the better, so you should leave for the dentist as quickly as possible and call them along the way to save time. If the tooth is chipped, then you can save the chipped tooth but probably do not need an emergency appointment. 

Toothache:

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use an over-the-counter painkiller to relieve any discomfort. If the pain persists, visit an emergency dentist for further treatment and advice.

Lost Filling/Crown:

If you have lost a filling or crown, try to locate it as soon as possible. Clean it carefully and avoid touching the inner surface. Put a small amount of toothpaste or denture adhesive on the back of it and try to place it back in the affected area. If this fails, contact your emergency dentist for further advice and treatment.

Happy Thanksgiving from Mountain Aire Dentistry

Happy Thanksgiving from the team at Mountain Aire Dentistry! We hope that these tips on dental health help you stay healthy and happy during this special time of year. If you need a checkup before the end of the year, make sure to give Mountain Aire Dentistry a call and we will be more than happy to help you out. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!