Thanksgiving is a time for us to show gratitude for all that we have, enjoy the company of family and friends, and of course, indulge in delicious foods. Everyone loves some sweet pumpkin pie, oven roasted turkey and creamy gravy—including bacteria.
During your holiday dinner, you’re often eating numerous courses over several hours, creating an opportunity for bacteria in your mouth to feast and multiply. According to the dentists in the Freehold NJ office of Oakwood Dental Arts, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the leading bacteria responsible for dental cavities, and they never turn down your leftovers. That’s why after a hefty meal, it is extremely important to keep up with your dental hygiene. So before the food coma kicks in on Thanksgiving night, make sure to take the necessary steps to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and other gum and tooth related complications associated with improper dental care.
The typical Thanksgiving meal is full of carbohydrates. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these types of foods and convert them into acids. The bacteria, acids, saliva and food debris all combine to form plaque, which, if not eliminated right away, will lead to cavities, or holes in the teeth. Routinely visiting your dentist, particularly around this time of year when sweet treats are in abundance, can help brighten your smile, freshen your breath, prevent cavities, stop tooth loss, and over time, save you money. By taking proper care of your teeth, you can prevent many issues that might arise and call for costly reparative procedures.
At Oakwood Dental Arts, we’re here to give you the necessary tips in order to prevent tooth decay this holiday season. Come visit our dentist office in Freehold NJ and allow us to help keep your teeth strong and healthy for many holidays to come.