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Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy a meal together. Many people look forward to Thanksgiving all year long. However, this holiday is not always so enjoyable for our smiles. Here are some tips to keep your smile healthy:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

With so much food on Thanksgiving, it's more important than ever to practice good oral hygiene habits to keep teeth healthy throughout the celebration. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash can all help limit the amount of plaque and food particles in the mouth. If your dentist recommends a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse, use these as directed as well.

Additionally, if you have family in town for a holiday, it's a great time to schedule a checkup and cleaning with your dentist. Not only can the dentist remove plaque buildup from hard-to-reach areas of the mouth, but an x-ray can also show whether the teeth are healthy beneath the gums. The dentist can recommend any treatments that may be required to maintain oral health during the upcoming year.

Avoid Foods and Drinks That Cause Staining

It's common for foods and beverages to stain teeth, but there are a few things you can do to help prevent stains from happening in the first place.

First, don't brush immediately after you've eaten or drunk something acidic. Instead, rinse your mouth with water and wait around thirty minutes before brushing. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth and help prevent tooth erosion.

You can also eat foods that are less likely to cause stains – try eating cheese with your turkey sandwich instead of other high-carbohydrate snacks that stick to your teeth. Drinking water will help wash away any food that's left on the surface of your teeth after eating. And when you're drinking soda or other sugary beverages, use a straw to limit contact with your teeth.

Remember that you can still get cavities even if you avoid these foods and drinks. Be sure to visit your dentist in Provo at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. If it's been longer than six months since your last appointment, call our office today!

Limit Sugary Treats

The holidays are an especially tempting time to indulge in sweet treats, but it's important to keep your smile healthy by limiting your sugar consumption. Instead of reaching for a candy bar or soda, reach for fruit instead! Sugar-free gum is another great option to help clean your teeth and reduce plaque buildup. Just make sure that you're still brushing and flossing regularly this holiday season – it's not enough to just avoid sweets or only brush occasionally. Remember that skipping out on oral hygiene can result in cavities, gum disease, and more!

Have questions about maintaining your oral health this Thanksgiving? Call Dr. Ronald F. Jacob, DMD, at (386) 445-6111 if you wish to learn more about ways to maintain good oral health. We are located at 17 Old King's Road N, Palm Coast, FL 32137.