With Thanksgiving around the corner, it's only natural to start becoming more and more excited about the delicious food you will eat. From a perfectly roasted Turkey to mashed potatoes and gravy, there's no shortage of delicious food on Thanksgiving. However, our dentist in Chicago, Il knows firsthand the effects that some Thanksgiving foods can have on your teeth. Keep the following in mind when planning your menu this year.

Sugary, Alcoholic Drinks

For many, the holidays mean kicking back and relaxing, which means enjoying an alcoholic beverage. While drinking these sorts of sugary, alcoholic drinks in moderation isn't a bad thing, you should know that they can take a toll on your teeth. Make sure to swish your mouth out with water once you are finished to help keep damage to a minimum.

Dried Fruit

You may think you are doing yourself a favor by eating dried fruit as it is seemingly healthy. However, many dried fruit packages contain a significant amount of added sugar that can deteriorate your teeth. The texture of dried fruit can also be a danger to your smile, as its gummy texture could leave behind residue on your teeth.

Starchy Foods

Thanksgiving wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable without a mountain of mashed potatoes and other starchy foods. Starchy foods can easily become lodged into your teeth and sit there for hours to come, damaging your enamel. We recommend scheduling an appointment with our Chicago, Il dentist after Thanksgiving for an appointment. This way, you can keep damage to a minimum.

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