Tips For Protecting Smiles On Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving! We hope you have a wonderful day with your friends and family, but we also hope you take steps to keep your smile healthy and bright. In today’s blog, your North Hollywood, CA, dentist talks about tips for protecting smiles from cavities and gum disease, avoiding poor oral health without taking the fun out of your big feast!

The Dangers of Sugar and Starch

Many of our holiday favorites contain starch, like stuffing, biscuits, sweet potatoes, and mashed potatoes. Others contain lots of sugar, such as pumpkin pie, cookies, or cake. Sugar and starch that remain on and between the teeth will be broken down by bacteria, a process that could lead to higher levels of oral acidity and plaque buildup accumulating on the teeth. Over time, plaque actually weakens and erodes the outer enamel, exposing the sensitive inner structure and allowing cavities to form, leading to painful tooth sensitivity and toothaches, as well as an increased risk of infection. To help protect your smile, limit how much you consume each meal and drink water to help cleanse your mouth. You can also enjoy fresh veggies, like broccoli and carrots, which can help scrub away stray food particles.

Finding Time to Brush and Floss

You should always make time to brush and floss your teeth, which will help remove sugary and starchy particles and protect your smile from cavities. You should brush your teeth when you wake up and again before bed using a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes. We also recommend a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Flossing before bed, which involves running the floss tape up and down the length of each side of every tooth, even dipping below the gum line briefly, is crucial for removing what a toothbrush cannot reach. You can even excuse yourself after your meal to floss quickly!

See Us for an Exam

A checkup allows our team to watch for smile signs of trouble, providing treatment before your smile becomes at risk of dental infection. A cleaning enables our team to remove all plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from the surface of your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Be sure you schedule your next visit before the end of 2019! If you have any questions about protecting smiles from cavities, then contact our team today.

See Us for a Checkup and Cleaning

We would like to help you and your family end the year with a brighter and healthier smile. For more information on our family treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.