Keep Teeth Healthy This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for all that you have. However, it can also be a time when you accidentally damage your teeth. In order to keep your smile healthy, you can follow the tips below:

• Avoid eating too many sugary foods and drinks. If you do indulge, brush your teeth within 30 minutes to one hour after you finish eating. Doing so helps remove the sugar and bacteria from your teeth and mouth. 
• Don’t eat a lot of starchy or carb-heavy foods like mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn on the cob, and more in one sitting. These foods are hard on your enamel and can cause tooth sensitivity. Instead, enjoy these foods in moderation. 
• Chew sugar-free gum throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean and remove food particles that can harm your teeth and gums. - Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Water helps wash away food particles that harm your smile. It also dilutes the acids in certain foods that can erode your enamel and cause tooth decay.
• Consider chewing sugarless gum after eating, as this can help neutralize harmful oral bacteria.
• The holiday season can mean a lot of eating and drinking, which can be tough on your teeth. But visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and exams can help make sure your teeth stay healthy and strong. That way, you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry.

The American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. These appointments can help you maintain good oral health and catch any problems early before they become more complicated and expensive to treat.

Regular visits can also help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, two common issues that many people face. Tooth decay is caused by plaque buildup on the surfaces of teeth that eats away at tooth enamel. Gum disease occurs when tartar forms on the surfaces of the teeth and below the gum line. Both of these conditions can be painful and cause discomfort, but they can be treated if caught early enough.

During a regular visit, your dentist can clean your teeth and gums to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup. They can also offer additional treatments like fluoride treatments and sealants to protect your teeth against cavities or to help combat the effects of dry mouth, which can cause bad breath.

Tanega Dental, located in South San Francisco, CA, is equipped with the best dentists and the latest technologies. Call us at (650) 794-0203 and schedule an appointment with our family dentist.