Maintaining your Oral Hygiene during Thanksgiving

By Kate Ranta on Oct 19, 2021 @ 12:00 PM

It’s time to feast! The turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, pies, and beverages await! But, if you don’t practice good holiday oral hygiene for Thanksgiving (and leftovers!), you could have cavities waiting.

During the holidays, we tend to consume more food and drinks than usual. Here’s what you can do to make sure you’re maintaining your oral hygiene during Thanksgiving:

Pack a dental kit. If you are going over to a relatives' or friends’ house, throw a dental kit into your bag. Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. After a day of eating and drinking, you’ll want to brush, floss, and swish mouthwash to get food particles and sugar off of your teeth. No matter where you’re going to celebrate, be sure to stick to your regular oral health routine regardless.
Drink H2O. Water is your friend on Thanksgiving. Sure, you may imbibe in other beverages, but be sure to include lots of water consumption as well. Not only will it help wash away food bits stuck to your teeth, but it keeps you hydrated and reduces dry mouth.
Watch what you eat. Of course, it’s okay to indulge a bit. It’s Thanksgiving! But, if at all possible, try to limit sweets and beverages that attack enamel on the teeth, such as coffee and alcohol. If you do partake, be sure to take time to brush and floss. Skipping it can harm your teeth and ruin your holiday oral health.
Don’t stress. Sometimes, Thanksgiving can be stressful. This is especially true if you’re going to have a house full of people. When we are stressed, we tend to clench our jaws and/or grind our teeth. This can not only damage your teeth but also give you headaches and mouth pain. Who needs that? Be sure to take deep breaths to stay calm.

These are simple ways you can protect your teeth while still enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday. Eat up, drink up—and maintain your holiday oral health! And if you're looking for some mouth-healthy holiday recipes, check out our FREE recipe book below!