Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Whether you’re planning on gathering with loved ones or just taking a day off to enjoy some rest and tasty food, it’s a good time to be sure your smile can keep up!

Before you dive into that turkey dinner and all those delicious sides, it’s important to think about your oral health. Here are a few tips to ensure you can enjoy your holiday without dental worries.

1. Take Care of Dental Treatment Needs Before the Holidays

If you’ve been putting off dental treatment, such as cavity fillings or fixing a cracked tooth, now is a great time to take care of it. Dental issues don’t take a holiday break and can quickly turn into bigger problems if left untreated. Imagine dealing with tooth pain or a dental emergency during Thanksgiving dinner. That’s not the kind of holiday memory anyone wants!

Taking care of necessary treatments now can help prevent surprises. Even if you can’t get in before Thanksgiving, don’t worry. There’s still time to schedule an appointment and use any remaining dental insurance benefits before the end of the year. Many dental plans reset in January, so it’s smart to make the most of your benefits while they last.

2. Keep Up with Your Home Care Habits

With the busy holiday season, it’s easy to let routines slip. Between planning meals, shopping, and hosting guests, daily oral care can get overlooked. But brushing and flossing are more important than ever during this season full of rich, sweet, and sticky foods.

Here’s a quick reminder to help you stay on track:

• Brush twice a day for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to clean your tongue, as it can harbor bacteria too.
• Floss once a day to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth. This is especially important after enjoying foods like stuffing and pecan pie.
• Cleanse between meals and especially after sweets. Rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum will help cleanse sugar and food debris off your teeth and help keep your cavity risk under control.

If you’re traveling or hosting guests, make sure you have a travel-sized oral care kit ready to go, and don’t forget to pack your floss!

Good news! Some of your Thanksgiving favorites are actually good for your teeth!

3. Eat Smart at Holiday Meals

Thanksgiving comes with an abundance of food choices, but not all of them are great for your teeth. Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can enjoy your meal while protecting your smile:

• Choose tooth-friendly foods. Turkey, vegetables, and cheese are good options for your teeth. Turkey is rich in protein and doesn’t stick to your teeth, while cheese helps balance the pH in your mouth.
• Be mindful of sugary dishes. Cranberry sauce, candied yams, and pies are delicious but full of sugar that can lead to cavities. If you can’t resist them (and who can blame you?), try to eat them with your main meal instead of snacking on them throughout the day… And that goes double for the leftovers after your holiday feast. This helps limit the exposure time of sugar on your teeth.
• Watch out for sticky foods. Foods like caramel and dried fruit can cling to your teeth for a long time. If you do indulge, make sure to drink water and brush afterward if possible. Also keep in mind that sticky foods can pull dental restorations like crowns or fillings away from your teeth.
• Don’t forget the water. Water is your best friend during Thanksgiving dinner. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids that can harm your teeth. It’s also a great way to keep other things (like wine, coffee, and berries) from staining your teeth. Staying hydrated is also critical to your oral health!

4. Stay Hydrated for a Healthy Smile

Water is your best friend during Thanksgiving dinner. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and neutralizes acids that can harm your teeth. It’s also a great way to keep other things (like wine, coffee, and berries) from staining your teeth.

Staying hydrated is also critical for your overall health and your teeth. Plus, water can help combat dry mouth, which is common when eating starchy foods and drinking wine or other alcoholic beverages.

Make sure to have a glass of water with your meal and keep sipping throughout the day. Not only will it keep your mouth clean, but it will also help with digestion — a win-win for your body and your smile.

Be sure to stay hydrated during the holidays, especially if you plan to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner!

5. Be Prepared for a Dental Emergency

Even with the best planning, dental emergencies can happen at any time. And for some reason they seem to always pop up during the holidays. Maybe someone bites down too hard on a turkey bone or takes a bad hit in a backyard game of touch football. Here’s what to do if something happens during the holiday:

• Stay calm. Panicking won’t help, but quick action can.
• Rinse your mouth. Use warm water to gently clean the area.
• Use dental wax to cover sharp edges. If you have a lost filling or chipped tooth, these temporary solutions can provide relief until you can see your dentist.
• If a tooth is knocked out, handle with care. Only touch a lost tooth by the crown (the part you can usually see in the mouth) and avoid touching the root. You can gently rinse it with room temperature water to remove debris, but do not scrub it or wipe it.

  If you can place the tooth back in the socket, try to do so. You can also keep it in a clean container with milk (or plain water in a pinch) until you can get to a dentist. Ideally within 30 minutes!

• Keep our contact information handy. At Lake Baldwin Dental, we’re here to help you with prompt emergency dentistry in Orlando, FL when you need it. Make sure to have our number saved in case you need urgent attention or to schedule a post-holiday appointment.

We’re Here to Help You Enjoy a Great Holiday Season!

With Thanksgiving around the corner, make sure your teeth are ready for all the smiles, laughter, and delicious food. By addressing any dental treatment needs, sticking to your oral hygiene routine, making smart food choices, and staying hydrated, you can enjoy your holiday worry-free. And don’t forget — there’s still time to use your dental benefits before the year is over!

From our team at Lake Baldwin Dental, we wish you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving full of beautiful smiles, Orlando!