Do you wonder if the extraordinary indulgence that occurs on Thanksgiving is not only dangerous for your waistline but a little dangerous for your smile, as well? The truth is, like any other meal, it’s possible to make choices that will protect your teeth and gums or to make decisions that will place your smile in harm’s way. Wondering if you’re prepared to take on the turkey, mashed potatoes, and more, while maintaining optimal dental hygiene? We can quickly get to the heart of the matter with a quiz.
Quiz Questions: True or False?
- True or False: It’s only sugar that feeds the bacteria in plaque. As a result, as long as you avoid desserts, you don’t have to worry about your dental hygiene efforts.
- True or False: Since there’s a lot of food to be eaten on Thanksgiving, you might as well just avoid worrying about your smile. Brush in the morning and at night like usual and floss once, even if you feel the urge to do so more frequently.
- True or False: If you’re committed to dental hygiene but you’d still like some suggestions for foods that are good for your smile, some are quite safe.
Quiz Answers
- False. While sugar is certainly a major culprit in problems like cavity formation, all starchy, carbohydrate-based foods are dangerous, too. This means the potatoes and stuffing can lead to problems, as well. Your best bet is to rinse and then brush your smile after your meal.
- False. You’ll likely be coating your smile with a lot of food, some sugars, possibly staining factors like red wine or cranberries, and the list goes on. It’s always beneficial to brush after a meal, to floss if food becomes stuck between teeth, or to chew sugar-free gum after you eat.
- True. We suggest you stick to the veggies, turkey, cheese, and water, which are all good for your teeth! Eat away without worry.
