Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

About Me

Become a Gum Expert for Better Health

When you think about gum, you might think of blowing bubbles, or freshening your breath. However, the gums you need to think of first are the pink ones in your mouth supporting your teeth. I didn't know how important healthy gums were until I came down with a case of gingivitis in my early 20's. I had neglected my brushing and flossing habits for nearly a decade, so my last few years of college were marred by pain in my mouth and bleeding gums. It took me over a year of hard work to reverse the damage I caused and restore my mouth to peak health. My recovery included an uncomfortable and lengthy procedure known as root planing, and that experience convinced me to help others avoid the entire issue of gum disease. This is why I've created my own website to help everyone protect their gums the easy way.

 

Keep Your Teeth Healthy While Gobbling up Food This Thanksgiving

2 November 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

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As Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season draws closer, you'll likely start planning a grand feast for your family or friends. The holidays are a great time to enjoy some good food with people you care about, but make sure you put just as much effort into caring about your dental health if you want to get to the New Year with your teeth intact. Here are some tips to keep in mind for good oral health as you navigate Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

Keep a Bottle of Water Handy

Thanksgiving and the rest of the holidays tend to have a lot of gatherings where food is available and not just the main meal at the dinner table. You might have snacks put out for family and friends or partake in snacks put out by others. Take a bottle of water with you to the festivities or ask for one when you get there. If you can't brush your teeth as often as you like, swishing some water around after every snack can at least help rinse some of the sugars and gunk off of your teeth.

Use an Oral Care Kit, It Only to Fit in a Quick Brush and Floss

If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, remember that you do have the ability to sneak off to your bathroom and use your toothbrush and floss after the meal. If you are sleeping over at a relative's house this weekend, you likely have your oral care kit with you and can do the same. It only takes a few minutes to get the job done and no one is going to care if you need to excuse yourself for a moment.

If you want to go the extra mile here, consider taking a small travel toothbrush with you to the gathering if you are not hosting and will not otherwise have supplies at the house. You can get a small travel toothbrush, a miniature packet of floss, and even a mini bottle of fluoride mouth rinse at most major department stores or some drug stores. 

Stick With the Turkey, Potatoes, and Veggies and Go Easy on the Sweet and Sticky Stuff

Finally, for the main event, go ahead and indulge but go heavy on the turkey and maybe lighter on the cranberry sauce. Any side with lots of sugar that also sticks to your teeth is not ideal. You don't have to cut out all of the cranberries and pumpkin pie, but remember the water bottle trick at the very least.

For more general dentistry tips, contact dentists like Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA.