Thanksgiving is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the US and has been a tradition for over 150 years. With this holiday coming up, we expect many of our Westchester patients to be spending time with friends, family, and of course food! With turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and pies galore it’s hard to eat sensible on that day, but we at Glaser Orthodontics are here to remind you how to keep your teeth in mind with this plethora of food. Here are some tips to keep in mind on Thanksgiving Day:
•Pilgrims didn’t drink soda so neither should you! With all the sugar that is packed in traditional thanksgiving food, the added sugar in soda id definitely not necessary. Instead of cracking open a can of your favorite carbonated drink, opt for milk or water. Your teeth will thank you later when you save them from stains and decay.
•Ask anyone and they will say that turkey makes them sleepy. Although we can’t deny that we want to take a power nap after feasting, this myth is actually not true! If you still feel yourself falling asleep after eating, remember to brush and floss before you snooze to prevent junk food from wearing away at your teeth. That small but vital step can help you and your teeth rest easy.
•Although it is tempting, do not try to crack nuts with your teeth! Many like to snack on nuts during Thanksgiving, but trying to crack a nut with your teeth often times leaves the person with a cracked nut…and tooth. Although your teeth are great tools, use a nutcracker instead to save your teeth and a trip to Dr. Glaser‘s office.
•It’s great that many enjoy spending time at their friends and families homes on this holiday but if you do go, remember to pack an extra toothbrush or floss. After eating, give your teeth a little cleaning, especially if you have braces. This quick cleaning can really save you in the long run!
Although it’s hard to stop and take a breather around the busy holiday season in the Hudson Valley, don’t become too stressed because even that can cause you to literally grind your teeth or even poor oral habits. Holidays are a time to enjoy your family and friends so make sure to enjoy your time, and brushing in between meals doesn’t hurt either! For more information on oral habits or for a consultation, please contact Glaser Orthodontics at our Cortlandt Manor office. Happy Thanksgiving!