Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and share what they’re thankful for as well as indulge in delicious food. Whether you’ve prepared your list or not, you may have forgotten one important thing that helps make every holiday more enjoyable – your smile. Keep reading to discover four reasons why you should be thankful for your teeth this Thanksgiving and how you can take better care of them in the year ahead.
Healthy Teeth Help You to Eat Nutritious Foods
Having a healthy set of teeth can make a big difference when it comes to being able to eat certain foods. Tooth loss is known to contribute to malnutrition, which means your body is unable to get the nutrients it needs.
With a cavity-free, fully restored smile, though, you can enjoy all of your Thanksgiving favorites without dealing with painful or difficult biting and chewing.
Healthy Teeth Allow You to Speak Clearly
To form words and sounds, your teeth and tongue need to function normally. The tongue must press against your teeth to formulate coherent speech, allowing others to better understand you when discussing an array of subjects around the Thanksgiving table.
Although it’s recommended you avoid certain conversations or topics, you’ll be able to speak clearly when talking to family and friends, even if it is about politics.
Healthy Teeth Give You Confidence
Since the holidays usually mean that someone has a camera nearby, you’ll be able to show off your beautiful teeth without feeling embarrassed. Instead, you’ll embrace the newfound confidence you have in your smile.
This means that when you look back 20 or 30 years from now, you won’t be unhappy with your appearance. What was once a tight-lipped smile can now be replaced with a healthier, brighter set of pearly whites.
Healthy Teeth Helps You Save
Instead of spending your money on dental fillings, crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions, you can spoil your family with special gifts this holiday season.
Having a healthy set of teeth means that you are unlikely to require restorative or emergency care, which is more common among individuals with poor oral hygiene. Instead of visiting your dentist to discuss ways to repair your damaged or decayed smile, you can spend that time and money on the people you care about most.
Ways to Keep Smiles Healthy This Year
Now that you have a better understanding of why you should be thankful for your teeth, here are a few ways to keep them in the best possible shape:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once before bed
- Rinse regularly with an ADA-approved mouthwash
- See your dentist for six-month dental checkups and cleanings
- Give up unhealthy habits that can damage your teeth (i.e., smoking, chewing on pens, etc.)
- Drink lots of water to keep salivary glands working
- Eat healthy, nutritious foods to avoid cavities and gum disease
Make sure to give thanks for your healthy smile this Thanksgiving. Doing so will help you enjoy the holiday even more, especially when it comes to eating your mother and grandmother’s delectable dishes.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Makram and his team want you to have an enjoyable Thanksgiving, which is why he is here to set you up for success. With a regular dental checkup and cleaning, he can evaluate your smile and determine whether you need additional treatment before dashing off to spend time with family and friends. He can also offer helpful tips to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best throughout the holidays, so visit our website or call (239) 513-9990 if you have any questions.