Thanksgiving is a time of the year where we begin to indulge in your favorites such as desserts, savory entrees, and of course alcoholic drinks. Hidden inside those delicious treats are tons of sugar and not so good for your oral health ingredients — SUGAR!

Is it possible to still enjoy the holiday festivities and be oral health conscious too? YES!

We’ve found some healthy Thanksgiving tips that we think you will enjoy and can incorporate into your menu next week.

Appetizers: Cheese, Raw Veggies and Nuts

Put out plates of crudités, cheese cubes, and mixed nuts for guests to snack on while dinner is being prepared. Cheese is great for teeth because it contains strength-building calcium. Casein, a protein found in milk products, fortifies the surfaces of teeth, helping to prevent cavities. Nuts contain calcium and minerals that strengthen and remineralize teeth. The chewing of hard, crunchy nuts also produces extra saliva, which fights germs and prevents decay. Chewing raw vegetables produces lots of salivae to wash away bacteria. The fibrous strands of celery are particularly good for dental health because they help clean between teeth.

Main Course: Green Beans Sautéed in Sesame Oil

Rinsing with sesame oil in place of mouthwash has been shown to reduce the effects of plaque and even, in some cases, to reverse the effects of gingivitis. Sauté your favorite vegetables in sesame oil for a tasty side dish. Top with sesame seeds for added crunch.

Dessert: Fresh Pear Slices with Honey Yogurt Dip

Serve this simple yet sophisticated seasonal dessert. Thinly slice your favorite variety of pear. Arrange on a platter. Serve with a dip made by combining a cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a sprinkling of freshly ground cinnamon.

Fresh pears have been shown to neutralize acid on the surface of teeth. Calcium and phosphates in yogurt strengthen and remineralize teeth. Honey is a natural antiseptic.

Beverages: Tap Water and Tea

Tap water contains fluoride which reverses damage to enamel caused by acids. Green and black tea kill bacteria, thus fighting cavities. Make the tea with tap water and you reap a double benefit.

As a bonus, these tooth-healthy foods are also good for your heart and waistline. With these healthy Thanksgiving tips, it is possible to enjoy a delicious holiday dinner without gaining weight or jeopardizing your sparkling smile.

Keep Your Family Healthy!

Families can work together to prevent gum disease and cavities. It is important for parents to teach their children good habits that will follow them into adulthood. In between dental visits, here are some tips so that everyone from the youngest member of the family to the oldest member can do their very best to maintain great oral health.

Eat Well Together

The American Dental Association asserts that a nutritional and balanced diet is paramount to maintaining good oral health. Ensure that you and your children are eating a diet rich in calcium and protein so that your teeth remain protected, and your enamel stays strong and keeps rebuilding. Dairy products and lean meats are a great way to ensure you’re getting enough protein and calcium.

Tooth decay is commonly caused by very sugary foods and drinks. You can eat these foods in moderation, but you should try not to eat them in excess. Start your kids out on a healthy diet young, so they don’t expect to get too many sweets! If you find yourself eating a lot of unhealthy foods, as well as feeding your children these foods, try to cut back on the sweets as a family to reduce tooth decay. You can eat healthier snacks like fresh fruit, and you can drink more water!

The Importance of Fluoride

Fluoride helps keep our teeth from decaying. It can also help to prevent cavities in children and adults. Tap water is generally fluoridated, which means it contains enough fluoride to help prevent your teeth from decaying.

Drinking tap water rather than bottled water will save you money, as well as ensure that you and your entire family are getting a healthy amount of fluoride. If you have a home filtration system, make sure you install one that does not remove your water’s fluoride content.

Proper Brushing Technique

It is very important that you know how to correctly brush your teeth, and that in turn you teach your children how to brush their teeth. Your toothbrush should be placed at a 45-degree angle when it’s at your gum line. You should start by brushing your gum line to remove bacteria there, and then make sure you get every surface of your teeth.

Ensure that your children are brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Make sure this lasts two minutes each time!

If your children understand how to care for their teeth from a young age, this will help prevent cavities and keep their smiles bright and beautiful. Most importantly, these techniques and habits will also follow them into adulthood!

Call our office today to schedule your cleaning or exam. A healthy mouth is a happy mouth!
(561) 855-4703. Convenient evening and early morning appointments always available.