Thanksgiving is around the corner. This is a time for family and friends, delicious feasts, and football. However, it’s also a time for consuming some not-so-healthy foods. From sugar-filled desserts to creamy casseroles to buttery mashed potatoes, your Thanksgiving favorites are not always the best for your teeth. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining a healthy smile during Thanksgiving.

Brush Your Teeth Twice 

Of course, brushing and flossing are a given when it comes to a healthy mouth. However, it’s important to brush after every meal! This will help remove food particles between teeth as well as from below the gum line, where bacteria love to hide. Plaque buildup can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.

Consider using a power toothbrush to help clean hard-to-reach areas. Electric toothbrushes can also break up plaque, and polish tooth surfaces better than manual brushes. Be sure to choose a soft-bristled brush head to avoid damaging the teeth or gums.

When you brush your teeth, be sure to spend at least two minutes on each quadrant of your mouth—upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. This will ensure that every surface gets plenty of attention.

Do Brush Your Tongue

Don’t forget about your tongue; it’s one of the forgotten culprits for bad breath development. Bacteria that cause bad breath love to hang out on your tongue, so be sure to give your entire tongue a good cleaning every time you brush. Use a toothbrush or a specially designed tongue scraper to accomplish this.

Floss Your Teeth Once a Day

Thanksgiving meals often include sticky, sugary foods like cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Don’t get stuck with trapped food particles in your mouth – instead, floss regularly after each meal to keep your mouth fresh and clean!

Use Mouthwash Regularly

You’re probably already using mouthwash, but did you know that using it daily can help keep your teeth clean? Mouthwash kills bacteria, which helps keep plaque from building up and causing cavities and gingivitis. 

At your appointment for a checkup and cleaning, make sure to ask your dentist about the best brand of mouthwash for you. Some brands can leave behind a lingering taste in your mouth, which is difficult to get rid of! 

Visit Your Dentist

Your dentist in Stone Lake Dentistry can also recommend other preventative measures to keep your mouth healthy and cavity-free during the holidays. For appointments, please call us at (832) 930-7856 or visit us at 12711 Telge Rd Suite #100, Cypress, TX 77429. For more information, please email us at stonelakedentistry@gmail.com.