{"id":294,"date":"2022-11-09T17:07:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T17:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.boehmerdds.com\/blog\/?p=294"},"modified":"2023-01-24T17:09:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-24T17:09:32","slug":"dont-let-thanksgiving-damage-your-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boehmerdds.com\/blog\/dont-let-thanksgiving-damage-your-smile\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Let Thanksgiving Damage Your Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Thanksgiving<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019re like most people at Thanksgiving, you can\u2019t wait to dig into the delectable dishes around your grandmother\u2019s table. From turkey and mashed potatoes to yams, green beans, and homemade pecan pie, it\u2019s the one time of year that you can feel guilt-free when it comes to eating. But can you? Have you considered how certain holiday foods<\/a> might put your teeth at risk for cavities and decay? If you want to make sure your smile looks and feels its best throughout the holidays, consider how you can better care for your teeth and gums while enjoying some of your favorite seasonal treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Truth Behind Sugars and Starches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When seated around the dining room table preparing to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner, you\u2019ll want to survey the dishes to determine which ones can do the most damage to your smile. While no food is off limits, it\u2019s important to practice moderation while also remembering to practice optimal oral hygiene before going to bed and when waking in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foods such as cranberry sauce, pies, cookies, cakes, cobblers, and other sugary desserts, stuffing, and dinner rolls all contain high levels of sugar and starch \u2013 two components that are known to cause cavities and tooth decay. When consumed, bacteria form and cause harmful acids to develop, effectively eating away at your tooth enamel and attacking your gums. Over time, if left untreated, it can create small holes within the outermost layer, resulting in cavities and a need for restorative dental care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holiday Foods That Reduce the Risk of Cavities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even while enjoying some of the other sugary and starchy foods listed above, make sure to incorporate plenty of protein, vegetables, and dairy. They can help to minimize harmful bacteria inside your mouth. Some of these foods include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n