It’s nearly that time of year again. Whether you’ve been looking forward to catching up with relatives, or you are just spending Thanksgiving with your significant other and kids this year, there is nothing quite like a delicious, home-cooked meal – especially when everyone in the family is contributing. However, you don’t want your kids to end up with heaps of cavities this holiday season. Here are some tips to help your children show appreciation for their smiles this Thanksgiving.
Keep Some Floss Handy
Whether you and your family are staying home this year or traveling to catch up with friends and family, you should keep some dental floss handy. For many, Thanksgiving is a day-long event with all sorts of different courses. You and your kids are bound to get some pieces of food stuck between the teeth throughout the day. Between courses, have some floss ready so your family can take the time to keep your smile clean.
Encourage Protein and Veggies
Fortunately, not every Thanksgiving dish is going to wreak havoc on your child’s smile. While it’s a good idea to limit portions of starchier foods, like dinner rolls and stuffing, a hunk of turkey will do great things for oral health. Turkey contains phosphorus and protein. Both are essential for strong teeth and bones. Be sure to encourage your child to try some turkey and load up on vegetables.
Limit Sticky Foods
A few Thanksgiving staples include cranberry sauce, gravy, and pecan pie. Unfortunately, these are all damaging to the teeth. They stick to teeth and can cause the development of cavities. It’s definitely a good idea to limit portion sizes for these items.
Have a Healthy Beverage Assortment
Sugary, colorful beverages won’t be doing your child’s smile very good. Instead of stocking up on soda, sports drinks, and juice, pick out some healthy beverages to keep your child hydrated. Of course, water is almost always going to be the best choice. It has no sugar or starch, and it doesn’t give bacteria anything to feed on. Water also helps to wash away food debris and plaque, and it encourages saliva flow. Milk is another excellent option, as it is full of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus. These nutrients boost the health of teeth, gums, and supporting bones.
Your kids can still enjoy their Thanksgiving without needing to spend time in the dental chair getting cavities filled. By using the tips listed above, your family can enter the holiday season with excellent oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan is an experienced orthodontist who has been working in the field for over a decade. She earned her dental doctorate from Temple University before completing her Orthodontic Certification and Master’s in Biomedical Science. Currently, she is serving as Vice President of the Georgia Association of Orthodontists and is a proud member of the Vice President of the Georgia Association of Orthodontists. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child, visit her website or call (678) 456-5572.