Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday. There’s no gift-giving pressure: It’s just relaxing, cheering on your favorite football team (Go Tennessee Titans!), discussing what we are thankful for and of course – delicious food.

Unfortunately though, with the non-stop eating Nashville residents do on this holiday, it’s not the best day for our teeth.

To prepare your mouth for Thanksgiving, our experts here at Belle Meade Family Dentistry are sharing four tips on how to have a smile-friendly day.

1.Drink water every time you eat.

Snacking all day long is one of the worst things you can do for your teeth. Why? Your saliva doesn’t have time to clean your teeth between meals, therefore bacteria breeds. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to wash away food.

2. Steer clear of foods that stain teeth.

Thanksgiving meal staples like pecan pie and cranberries are some of the worst offenders. Stay away from foods that have a strong coloring to them, since these colors can end up on your teeth. Sticky foods like pecan pie can be damaging unless you brush after eating.

3. Carry floss with you.

Toss some floss in your purse or pocket. While whipping out a toothbrush isn’t always an option, it is pretty easy to carry floss. Use it after your meal to get the leftovers out of your teeth.

4. Up your brushing.

Travel may inhibit your ability to brush like you would at home, but Thanksgiving is an extremely important day to try your best to brush three times to clean teeth.

Following these simple tips on Thanksgiving (and year round), will give your teeth many more years of health. Now THAT is something to be thankful for!

We wish you all a healthy, happy and delicious Thanksgiving!

What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods?

For more information or to make an appointment, call Nashville’s own Belle Meade Family Dentistry at 615.298.2030.  You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.