Happy Thanksgiving From Your Boise Dentist!

Today is the day to catch up with family members, and count your blessings while being grateful for all that is good in your life. Not to mention eating all the excellent feast of foods! However, the holiday season is no time to slack on your Boise dental care! To keep you happy and healthy this Thanksgiving, your Boise dentist has compiled the following Boise dental tips:

Shorten Your Meal Time. The length of a typical Thanksgiving meal can be one of the most damaging aspects to your Boise dental health. While it’s important to enjoy the company of your family and friends throughout the day, it’s also important to keep in mind that exposing your teeth to continuing foods can make it easier for cavity causing bacteria to accumulate in your mouth. Instead of passing the time by constantly eating, focus this time on sharing stories, watching movies, or playing games.

Stay Hydrated. Drinking water while enjoying rich, sweet foods helps to wash away debris and prevent plaque formation. Lightly rinsing your mouth with a swallow of water between bites helps to improve saliva flow that helps to fight off cavities. Water is also an excellent replacement for more damaging drink options like juice or soda.

Brush and Floss. Take about thirty minutes after you’ve finished eating to brush and floss your teeth. You can also bring xylitol gum to chew after the meal, which could help wipe away leftover food particles on your teeth, improve your saliva flow, and assist with your digestion.

Ditch the sticky sides. Side dishes like cranberry sauce not only stick to your teeth for hours they also happen to be acidic, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to infect your gums and eat through your enamel. Other sticky offenders are pecan pie and mashed potatoes. If you do indulge it’s important to make sure you swish with water after eating and brush your teeth to wipe away the gummy remains.

Make a Post-Holiday Boise Teeth Cleaning Appointment. While we all grieve the holiday weight gain, the desserts and long meals associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas are also tough on your teeth. A post-holiday Boise teeth cleaning can help scrub your teeth and prevent any issue before they become uncomfortable or costly. Keep in mind that your Boise dentist can also perform a variety of best smile restoration options including a Boise teeth whitening treatment to provide you with a brighter smile for holiday photos and celebrations.