We are thankful for our patients, and want to show our gratitude by offering you some cavity-thwarting tips as you gear up for Thanksgiving next week. There are multiple dental health pitfalls as a potential outcome of eating in a certain way. Therefore, Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, wants you to have a happy holiday season without ending…
We are thankful for our patients, and want to show our gratitude by offering you some cavity-thwarting tips as you gear up for Thanksgiving next week. There are multiple dental health pitfalls as a potential outcome of eating in a certain way. Therefore, Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, wants you to have a happy holiday season without ending up with a toothache.
The Dangers of the Holidays
Halloween, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas – to a dentist, this season means warning patients to go easy on the sugary treats. Foods full of sucrose (sugar) contribute to cavities. A bacteria called S. mutans is the other piece of the puzzle when it comes to the development of acids and tooth decay in your mouth. Thanksgiving usually focuses on the lean protein of turkey, but there are plenty of starches and desserts likely to land on the table. Even foods like stuffing, rolls, and mashed potatoes can be a hearty snack for S. mutans to convert into acid inside your mouth.
Brush Up on Thanksgiving Day
An occasionally over-indulgent meal isn’t going to necessarily hurt your dental health. However, it’s a good idea to balance indulgence with good oral hygiene practices. On a day like Thanksgiving, jump at the chance to brush your teeth here and there throughout your day. If you aren’t hosting, bring a toothbrush and toothpaste with you. You may find yourself more or less eating all day long. With the rates and amounts of food normally consumed on the average “turkey-day,†your mouth might need a little extra help beyond twice-a-day brushing. If you decide you still have a little room and go for a late night turkey sandwich, be sure to brush your teeth and floss before you go to bed.
Dental Checkups in Knoxville
Enjoy your family togetherness this Thanksgiving, and if anyone in your family is due for aÐ’?dental checkup, contact Dr. Erpenbach.Ð’?To schedule an appointment, you can call ourÐ’?37919 dentist officeÐ’?at 865-584-8630. We are happy to serve patients in West Knoxville, the Bearden area, and surrounding neighborhoods.
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