Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year, full of friends, family, and good food. But it can also be a time when your oral health suffers the most. The sugars and carbs in many Thanksgiving treats can damage your dental implants if you’re not careful. Be sure to follow these tips from our dentist to keep your investment—and your smile—healthy during this holiday season!
Brush and Floss Daily
Practicing good oral hygiene daily is one of the best ways you can ensure your teeth and dental implants remain healthy. The most common cause of tooth loss and implant failure is an infection that damages the supporting gums and bone. This infection develops when plaque is not removed and hardens into tartar that releases harmful bacteria and infects the gum tissues.
Minimize Sticky Sweets
Sugary foods, such as those found in gravy, pies, and cranberry sauce, taste amazing, but they can be dangerous to your dental implants. These foods can easily stick to your teeth and implants and release bacteria that cause infection. If you can’t resist dessert, be sure to rinse your mouth after eating and brush and floss your teeth, too.
Avoid Alcoholic Beverages
Wine certainly tastes good with Thanksgiving dinner, but the acid in these drinks can damage your dental implants and teeth. Along with staining natural teeth, alcohol can dilate the blood vessels in your mouth, making the gum tissues around your implants sensitive and irritated.
Opt for Nutritious Food
There may be an abundance of sweet and starchy foods at Thanksgiving, but don’t forget that you can find healthy options or bring them yourself. Choose to add a salad to your plate and stock up on the turkey (just limit the gravy). If there are vegetables or fruits, be sure to choose those, too.
Need a Dental Cleaning?
Are you worried that Thanksgiving treats might damage your oral health? Or you’re overdue for a hygiene cleaning? Schedule an appointment with our dentist today!
