In just a couple of weeks, Thanksgiving will be celebrated by many families in our community. But since a lot of the favorite dishes people enjoy contain lots of sugar and starch, the risk of cavities increases. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist talks about tips for avoiding cavities during the holiday season, so you can start a new year with your best smile!
Sugar, Starch, and Cavities
Often, our Thanksgiving favorites are high in sugar or starch. When we consume a lot of foods with these ingredients, this allows particles to cling to the teeth for bacteria to break down and consume. This process then creates plaque and tartar buildup that irritates and weakens the enamel and gums, so you are at a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. But we want to offer a few suggestions to ensure you can enjoy your favorite foods and help protect your smile from cavities in the months to come.
Choosing Healthy Options
You can absolutely enjoy your favorite starch-heavy options, but also consider fresh fruit and veggies, as rougher selections like fresh broccoli carrots, and apples can help scrub away food particles. You should also consider a glass of water with your meal, as this helps rinse away trapped food particles as you enjoy your meal. Eat sweets in moderation, and be sure you maintain good oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing twice a day and flossing every evening. These actions can help you enjoy your meal without putting your smile at a high risk!
Using Your Dental Benefits
With the end of the year around the corner, you’re running out of time to see us for a checkup and possible treatment before the year ends and your 2024 dental benefits or health savings account funds expire, which happens at the end of December. Schedule a visit now so we can examine your smile, conduct a cleaning to strengthen your smile, and offer care for issues we discover, such as a filling to treat a cavity. We can help you understand your benefits and what is coved, so you can greet 2025 with a brighter and healthy smile. If you have any questions about avoiding or treating tooth decay, then contact our team. We look forward to seeing you!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT FIGHTING CAVITIES?
Our team wants to help you enjoy a smile free of cavities now and in the years to come. To find out more about keeping your smile strong and healthy, you can call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, at 913-901-8585. We can’t wait to see you and your family, and help you all enjoy optimal oral health!
