Your Thanksgiving dinner is likely one of the most anticipated meals of the year. Often, though, it’s not your family’s healthiest meal. With dishes like mashed potatoes, casserole and pie, Thanksgiving dinner can be loaded with starches and sugars that are damaging to your teeth and overall health. This Thanksgiving, swap out starchy or sugary dishes for more tooth-healthy options.

If your children are of trick-or-treating age, don’t let fear of cavities scare you this Halloween. We are treating you to some tricks to help your children maintain a healthy smile, even if they have a few pieces of candy here and there. Make this year a tooth-healthy Halloween by choosing your treats wisely, practicing healthy habits to limit sugar and planning ahead for your child’s dental care.

We’re here to remind you why it’s so important to keep up with daily oral health practices, and what you can do to improve your routine.

Oral health among adults age 65 and older has greatly improved over the past 50 years, but aging can create unique challenges when it comes to dental care. By understanding how some medications affect oral health, maintaining healthy habits and keeping up with regular preventive treatment, you can keep your teeth and mouth healthy for many years to come.

When you treat yourself to your favorite foods, you’re likely to splurge on something that isn’t very healthy for you. And, while brushing and flossing regularly are important for ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy and strong, too many unhealthy choices can damage your teeth over time. The good news: there are ways to trade high-sugar or starchy foods for healthier options, without sacrificing flavor. In the long run, your oral health will benefit from these substitutions.