02 Nov How to Celebrate a Tooth-Friendly Thanksgiving in Augusta, Georgia

Many people spend the holidays concerned about how it will affect their waistline. However, have you ever stopped to consider how it can affect your dental health? 

The good news is that many traditional Thanksgiving foods are actually good for your teeth. Just keep an eye out for excess sugar. Thanksgiving is also a great time to consider what you would like to be thankful for next year. To help you decide, we’ll look at Invisalign for a straighter smile.

We’ll look at:

• The best Thanksgiving foods for your teeth
• The top alternative to traditional orthodontics in Richmond County
• Thanksgiving office hours

If you’re thinking about how to have a tooth-friendly Thanksgiving then look no further. You’ll be able to load your plate while being thankful that you’re also supporting good oral health.

The Best Thanksgiving Foods for Your Teeth

We’ve discussed nutrition and oral health before, but it wouldn’t hurt to do a quick review with the holidays just around the corner. To support the health of your teeth, make sure that you’re getting plenty of:

• Water
• Calcium
• Protein
• Fruits and veggies

We should all probably be drinking more water. This isn’t just because it’s good for our bodies, but because it also helps keep our teeth clean by washing away any unwanted substances that can damage our teeth. Water is also important for preventing dry mouth, which can speed up the process of enamel erosion.

Calcium keeps our teeth and jaws strong while helping to hold our teeth in place. It works together with phosphorus in order to make this happen. Make sure that you’re eating plenty of cheese, yogurt, almonds, leafy greens, and calcium-fortified tofu to ensure that you’re getting enough. And of course, make sure to drink plenty of milk.

Protein is an important macronutrient that contains phosphorus, the same nutrient calcium needs to be most effective. Like calcium, protein strengthens your teeth, jaw, and gums. On top of that, phosphorus helps rebuild the enamel of your teeth. You can get protein from foods such as meat, fish, poultry, and eggs.

Fruits and vegetables are full of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy teeth. You don’t need to worry about sugar content when it comes to fruit, either. They’re so full of fiber and water that it cancels out any of the sugar content. On top of that, fruits and vegetables increase saliva production that helps clear your teeth of unwanted bacteria.

Now that we remember the oral health benefits of good nutrition, let’s look at the best Thanksgiving foods you can eat to support your oral health!

Turkey

Eating for better oral health doesn’t mean that you have to skip your favorite Thanksgiving foods. Turkey is full of nutritious protein which also naturally contains phosphorus. This means that not only will every slice give you a stronger jaw, teeth, and gums, but the phosphorus will also enable any calcium you eat to do the same.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A and vitamin C and help aid in gum health. While you can’t go wrong with sweet potatoes, you should give some thought to how they’re prepared. For Thanksgiving, they’re often candied and served with marshmallows which can stick to your teeth. You don’t have to avoid them completely, but eat them in moderation and drink water.

Pumpkin Pie

One of the best things about Thanksgiving is that even dessert is tooth-friendly. Pumpkin pie, a holiday classic, is actually good for your teeth. Like sweet potatoes, pumpkin is full of vitamin A to promote gum health and help harden your enamel. Just wait to have a slice (or two) after dinner so you don’t overindulge. 

But when it comes to Thanksgiving in Augusta, GA, the nutrition of your meal and its effects on your teeth aren’t the only things to keep in mind.

Invisalign in Richmond County

With so much to be thankful for, why not consider being thankful for straighter teeth and take the steps to achieve the smile of your dreams? In the past several years, there’s been a new, easier alternative to traditional orthodontics.? 

We’re big fans of Invisalign here at Augusta Family Dental. Many people want a straighter smile but don’t want to go through the hassle of getting and maintaining braces. If this sounds like you, then clear Invisalign aligners may be the solution that you’re looking for.

Invisalign aligners gradually straighten your teeth using a series of clear trays. Our team works with you to help develop a digital treatment plan to reach your goals. This includes mapping your mouth in order to apply pressure in the right places at the right times.

Invisalign is perfect for fixing common dental problems such as:

• Gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Bite issues

There are other issues to consider when it comes to Invisalign. This includes whether insurance will cover it, is there a better treatment for your individual case, and if the retainer will be included or cost extra.

Invisalign aligners aren’t permanent like braces, though they must be worn 20 – 22 hours a day. However, you can still take them off if you need to. They also make cleaning and checkups much easier than metal braces. Of course, the biggest draw for Invisalign is that they’re clear and much less noticeable than traditional braces.

Thanksgiving Office Hours

This Thanksgiving, all of us at Augusta Family Dental are grateful for our family of patients. The week of Thanksgiving, our offices will be closed on the 26th and 27th of November.

Augusta Family Dental has two convenient locations to better serve you. You can contact our Augusta office by calling (706) 863-4567, or schedule an appointment online. You can schedule an appointment with our Hephzibah office by calling (706) 793-3600.