Your teeth play a vital role in your daily life. Apart from being the first thing people notice when looking at you, they allow you to eat a variety of nutritious foods, speak clearly, and feel more confident around others. As Thanksgiving approaches and you prepare to spend time with family and friends, why not add your smile to the list of things you’re thankful for? Read on to discover what makes this smile element so important and what you can do to keep your pearly whites healthy this time of year.
The Importance of Your Teeth
Your teeth are just one of many different elements found inside your mouth. While they tend to capture the attention of others more than your gums or lips, they serve a purpose far beyond their aesthetic qualities.
They also:
- Help you to enjoy better overall health: When you have teeth that are cavity- and damage-free, you can consume all your favorite holiday foods with ease. From the delicious turkey and dressing to the raw fruit and vegetables, you don’t have to worry about struggling to eat while enjoying time with friends and family.
- Help you share what you’re thankful for: As you sit around the table this Thanksgiving, you will find that your teeth make it possible for you to speak clearly. Those who are missing some of their pearly whites tend to suffer from slurred speech, so having a full set can give you the ability to express what you’re truly thankful for this year.
- Help you feel more confident in your appearance: When the holidays come around, you’re likely to find a camera nearby. To make sure that you look your best and appreciate your appearance 10 or even 20 years from now, you’ll want to have a healthy set of teeth. Knowing there are no chips, cracks, or decay to get in the way, you can smile more confidently than ever before.
Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth During Thanksgiving
Since your smile made it to your “What I’m Thankful For” list this year, you’ll want to make sure that you take proper care of them throughout the holidays. To do this, consider these few tips:
- Minimize how many sweets you eat: While you don’t have to forgo your grandmother’s famous pumpkin pie, you might consider enjoying a smaller slice or indulging in it as part of your meal. Doing so will allow your salivary glands to continue working, effectively flushing away remnants that might lead to bacterial accumulation and decay.
- Limit how much wine you drink: Enjoying a glass of wine with your Thanksgiving meal is fine, but you might want to stick to only one. The rest of the time, drink plenty of water. Wine is known for being highly acidic and containing a lot of sugar, so limiting your intake and choosing water the rest of the time will be more beneficial for your teeth.
- Make time for your oral hygiene routine: Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving at your house or visiting from out of town, don’t neglect your morning and nighttime oral hygiene routine. This regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing will keep your smile healthy and free of any bacteria that might otherwise lead to cavities and gum disease.
As you approach Thanksgiving, don’t overlook the benefits of a healthy smile. By acknowledging the role your teeth play, you can more readily embrace all the joyful aspects of the holidays.
About the Practice
Jasper Dentistry is a family-owned dental practice that consists of four experts who care about the health and longevity of patients’ smiles. As part of the Fort Mill community for 30 years, we believe in delivering comprehensive, personalized service and care to individuals who want to enjoy life with better oral and overall health. If you are preparing for the upcoming holiday and want to make sure that your teeth stay vibrant and cavity-free throughout Thanksgiving, contact us at (803) 548-4353 to learn how we can help.