Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and we all know what that means—a day full of feasting. Indulging in traditional holiday foods can be tough on our waistlines, but did you know some of our favorite treats can be tough on our teeth, as well? We’ve compiled a few helpful hints to help protect your oral health this Thanksgiving.

• Limit your sugar intake

It can be hard to pass up a second helping of pie (we know). But the sugar in pies and candies are food for the bacteria that live in your mouth. If you overdo it on the sugar, you’ll be giving the bacteria a feast of its own, and it can breakdown the enamel on your teeth.

• Drink responsibly

Toasting the holidays with family is customary, but choose your drinks wisely! Drinks with dark hues, such as red wine, or sangria, can not only temporarily stain your teeth, but also cause long-lasting discoloration. Be sure to incorporate water into your celebrations. It can help counteract the dehydration caused by alcohol, as well as wash away some leftover food particles and bacteria.

• Snack smart

Waiting for dinner to be served can be trying, but if you’re going to snack, grab something that isn’t too hard on your teeth! If you’re hosting, prepare a veggie or fruit tray for light, healthy options. If you’re celebrating away from home, look for nuts or fruit. Neither are tough on teeth and they should hold you over until the turkey is on the table!

Of course, once you’ve enjoyed your meal, it’s important to take proper care of your teeth. Make sure to brush and floss so that Thanksgiving doesn’t stick around into the new year!

All TruAssure dental plans are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes dentists from the following dental networks: United Concordia, DenteMax and GEHA Connection Dental Network.