If you’re like most people, your gratitude list this time of year probably includes family, friends, your job, and maybe even your health, but what about your teeth? This might sound odd, but your pearly whites make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Want to know how? Here are 4 reasons to be thankful for your teeth and what you can do to keep them healthy at Thanksgiving.
You Can Talk to the Ones You Love
Has it been a while since you talked with your uncle or grandmother? Whether it’s over the phone or at the dinner table, your teeth make it easy to speak clearly. Your tongue needs something to press against when creating sounds. Without your pearly whites, your speech becomes slurred or mumbled. Meaningful conversations can have a lasting impact; just one of the many reasons to be thankful for your teeth.
You Can Eat Your Favorite Holiday Foods
Excited about the juicy turkey your dad makes every year or your mom’s homemade pumpkin pie? Biting into these delicious foods would be much harder without your teeth. They provide strong bite force and chewing power, so food breaks down safely and you can savor the flavor before it moves on to digest properly. With a full set, you can enjoy the dishes you love so much this time of year.
You Can Feel Confident Smiling in Photos
Family photos are likely at Thanksgiving, and having a beautiful smile will give you the confidence you need to stand out, not shy away. Ten or even twenty years from now, when you look back at these memories, you’ll be happy with what you see, knowing that your efforts to take care of your smile were worth it (and still are!).
You Can Save Up for the Holidays
Another reason to be thankful for your teeth is how much money you’ll save in preparation for the holidays. Arriving at Thanksgiving with a healthy smile allows you to spend less on restorative treatment and more on gifts for the ones you love.
Ways to Protect Your Teeth This Year
As you prepare to sit down at the Thanksgiving table, make sure the smile you go home with looks the same as the one you arrived with. Remember to:
- Be careful about the types of food you eat. Limit sticky, hard, and sugary dishes, trading them for sugar-free, nutrient-rich options (i.e., fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, leafy greens).
- Brush, floss, and rinse morning and night.
- Drink lots of water instead of sugary and acidic beverages.
- See your dentist for a post-holiday checkup and cleaning.
Give your teeth the appreciation they deserve. By taking better care of them throughout the holidays, you can continue to enjoy time with family and friends, savoring all the delicious food and laughter that comes with the season.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Rosenbaum graduated from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has provided comprehensive care to patients in Modesto for more than 40 years. Helping as many people as possible, he emphasizes preventive care and its importance to overall health. If you are getting ready for the holidays and want to protect your smile, visit our website or call (350) 200–0643 to schedule a consultation.