As the fall festivities begin, you may be looking at your dependable family recipe book, planning this year’s get-together meals. As you filter through your grandmother’s creamed corn or your uncle’s stuffing recipes, keep in mind how these foods might be influencing your oral health.
The food that we put in our bodies is just as important as the steps that we take to take care of our smiles. Here are some things to consider for your family’s health as you set up your grocery list. Maintaining a proper diet can make the difference between stable and damaged teeth.
Foods to Find
Nutritious food doesn’t have to be too difficult to find. Here are some core tips to help your family’s smiles thrive this holiday season.
Dairy Products
Food and drinks with dairy often have a high level of calcium and phosphates, which can help strengthen your teeth and keep a bright white smile. Yogurt products, milk, and some cheese are some common dairy products that work great in Thanksgiving meals.
Healthy Snacks
Instead of reaching for that chocolate bar, eating nuts or a healthy protein bar can be a better alternative. Nuts and seeds are full of vitamins and minerals that work to fight dental plaque and disarray. Though it can be hard to avoid treats every once in a while, maintaining a healthy snacking routine can make a big difference for your general health and well-being.
Don’t Forget The Greens
It isn’t a total surprise that fruits and vegetables made it on this list. Did you know though that fruits and veggies such as apples, carrots, and celery can help stimulate saliva production and make cleaning your teeth easier? You can think of that while shopping in the produce aisle.
Moderation Is Key for These Foods
The holidays can easily make people justify eating too much unhealthy food. We’re not here to rain on your parade but rather to set healthy habits that make eating and enjoying these foods easier. Your stomach and your smile will thank you later for keeping yourself in line.
- High-sugar foods: Foods that are high in sugar can eat away at the protective layer of your teeth, which prevents cavities and other dental decay and infection.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Soda or wine can eat away at your teeth if left unchecked. If you’re at a family gathering, try bringing a toothbrush to scrape away the acid later.
- Sticky or tough foods: Food like caramel or bubble gum can deteriorate your tooth’s roots which keep your teeth from breaking or chipping.
Supplement a Healthy Diet with Preventative Care
The bustle of trick-or-treating to the jolly of Christmas can make parents forget about visiting the dentist. Preventative care at least twice a year can help our dentists spot signs of dental infection and damage before it happens. A cleaner smile can also increase your confidence and self-esteem, just in time for the most social time of the year.
Bridge Creek Dental offers comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages.
Don’t let dysfunctional teeth make it hard to spend quality time with your family over the holidays. Our thorough cleaning methods provide smiles that look and feel great. Our clinic also provides Perio Protect, a flexible at-home system that can help fight against gum disease.
Create Healthy Habits with Bridge Creek Dental
Be the talk of your family festivities with the help of a high-quality cosmetic and preventative dentist. Bridge Creek Dental is here to help you and your family achieve their ideal smiles near the Billings, MT, area.
Call our Billings, MT, office to get started today!