Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means you’ve probably got big plans with family and friends – and hopefully, food is involved! However, did you know that amongst all of the tasty, seasonal dishes, some stand out as extraordinary for your dental health? Here’s a closer look at a few popular Thanksgiving foods that are surprisingly good for your teeth, along with a few that you should enjoy in moderation or avoid if possible.
Thanksgiving Foods That Can Help Your Smile
Don’t hesitate to fill up on some of these popular, classic choices:
- Turkey – Turkey doesn’t contain the starches or sugars found in many side dishes, and it’s a great source of vitamin D, which bolsters your tooth enamel.
- Sweet Potatoes – These delicious, orange root vegetables are a great source of vitamins C and A. Just be careful of the fair amount of sugar present in candied casserole dishes.
- Vegetables – Green beans, carrots, squash, and other veggies provide plenty of tooth-friendly vitamins and minerals. Plus, chewing on the firm texture and fibers of raw, crunchy vegetables like celery and cucumbers can actually work to clean the teeth.
- Cheese & Nuts – Cheese is packed with calcium, while chomping on nuts can increase saliva production, which lowers acidity levels in the mouth and assists with cavity protection.
Traditional Dishes That Don’t Agree with Teeth
With other foods and dishes, it’s important to practice moderation or avoid them entirely. BE mindful of things like:
- Pumpkin Pie – It’s unfair to single out pumpkin pie, as it’s delicious and also not the only type of pie served during the holiday. In fact, it often has less sugar than other pie flavors. That said, be extra careful to not eat too much pie, or to use too much whipped cream topping. It also helps to sip water afterward to rinse away the sugar.
- Cranberry Sauce – This staple Thanksgiving dish is highly acidic, which can weaken tooth enamel, not to mention, that it’s often prepared with high amounts of sugar. Cranberries do contain antioxidants and vitamins A and C, but if you’re not making this dish yourself and limiting the amount of sugar used, be mindful of how much you’re having!
- Alcohol – There’s hardly any harm in the occasional glass of holiday wine, beer, or cocktail, but overindulging in alcohol can dry out the mouth, reduce saliva production, and erode tooth enamel. Plus, many of these drinks contain a surprising amount of sugar. Don’t hesitate to alternate water with your alcohol, or to stay dry this holiday season for your smile’s benefit.
Of course, no matter what you end up piling on your plate this Thanksgiving, just remember to brush your teeth before going to bed that night! Failing to do so will give lingering food particles and bacteria plenty of time to wreak havoc across your smile.
About the Practice
The team at Crafting Smiles has proudly served patients and families in Durham for several years under the leadership of Dr. Ernesto Ulloa. Their office offers a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please feel free to visit online or call today. Telephone: (919) 220-4200.