With November just around the corner, now is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the past year. Whether you celebrate traditional Thanksgiving festivities or simply are looking forward to a new year with fresh opportunities, it’s important to take time to express gratitude for the things that keep you going in life.
For example, without healthy teeth and gums, you might struggle to enjoy your favorite foods, share conversations with loved ones, or smile confidently. Continue reading to learn about 3 ways you can show gratitude for your dental health while still enjoying end-of-year celebrations!
Tip #1: Have Floss Available
Whether you plan to travel back home for the holidays or stay in and quietly celebrate the season on your own, you’ll need to have the right supplies to help care for your grin. For instance, if you’re enjoying candied popcorn or just a bite of corn on the cob, small seeds or kernels might slide beneath your teeth and gums.
This can be incredibly irritating and uncomfortable, and you might even feel tempted to try to pry the item out with a fork, knife, toothpick, or other utensil. But doing so can cut your gums or gouge your enamel. It’s better to keep some floss handy so you can remove stuck food more gently and avoid a potential emergency.
Tip #2: Avoid Sugary Foods & Drinks
You’re not alone if you look forward to piping hot cocoa or warm pumpkin pie to help beat the cooler weather this autumn. However, many sweet treats like these ones contain lots of sugar, which attracts harmful bacteria that contribute to dental decay and disease.
Thankfully, you can help protect your dental health this season by choosing or providing smile-friendly alternatives. For example, apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon and dipped in sugar-free caramel taste like apple pie, but are less likely to cause cavities.
Tip #3: Schedule a Checkup & Cleaning
Another simple but effective way to show some appreciation for your teeth is to schedule a routine checkup and cleaning before the holidays arrive. If you wait too long, your dentist’s schedule is likely to fill up, and you might not be able to make an appointment closer to the end of the year.
But having an exam and professional dental cleaning before the holidays can strengthen your enamel and connective tissues, making them less likely to develop issues. It also gives you peace of mind that your mouth is happy and healthy, so you can enjoy the upcoming festivities knowing you’ve taken care of your smile.
Taking a few simple preventive steps is a great way to show your teeth and gums some appreciation this season!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jonathan Smiley comes from a family of dentists and is proud to follow in their footsteps by helping enhance patients’ lives by improving their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, and today, he offers a full menu of services, including routine preventive visits, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. If you want to show your teeth some gratitude this fall, you can request an appointment on the website or call (319) 352-2270.