For most Americans, Thanksgiving = food and we eat more than any other day of the year. We want you to continue to be thankful for good dental health so we've complied some tips to get keep your teeth and gums smiling this Thanksgiving: Have a Game Plan: Before you arrive, decide which 1-2 Thanksgiving dishes you cannot live without and ditch the rest. It is also helpful not to come to dinner hungry because you will eat more than you Bring A Healthy Dish: If you bring at least one healthy side dish your teeth will thank you. You can snack on it all night without feeling guilty about what you are eating. Plus everyone will thank you for bringing a tasty treat. Don't Gorge Yourself: Instead of eating one BIG meal, help yourself stay in control by eating small, protein-based meals every 3-4 hours. Your blood sugar levels will stay more level resulting in less carbohydrate and sweet cravings. Skip The Sugar: Thanksgiving dishes are filled with sugar which can reek havoc on your teeth. Foods like pecan pie, cranberry relish and candied yams are packed with sugar but also can damage the enamel of your teeth. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day will not only keep you hydrated but your teeth happy. Water will help wash away the food in your mouth and create saliva. If you are drinking wine, aternate one or two glasses of water with each alcoholic one. We wish you and your family a healthy and happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Dental Care of Mid-Florida.