The holidays can be a frightful time for your oral health – mostly due to the bounty of sugary treats that’s often just begging to be eaten. These cavity hazards aren’t the focus of this post, though. Thanksgiving has plenty of other foods that are actually beneficial for your teeth, which is a fact worth celebrating! Keep reading for five traditional favorites that’ll help balance your turkey-day meal.
#1. Turkey
It’s a good thing the star of this holiday is rich with protein, phosphorus, and tons of other nutrients that help strengthen your teeth. Turkey can even fortify your enamel against cavities, similar to a good fluoride toothpaste. That doesn’t mean it will replace routine brushing and flossing, though, so continue to maintain your oral hygiene!
#2. Pumpkin Pie
November is simply the best time to sit back with a delicious slice of pumpkin pie. As long as you don’t drown your slice in whipped cream or other sugary toppings, the calcium and vitamin C will give your teeth and your gums some enhanced fortitude.
#3. Green Bean Casserole
Crunchy veggies like the ones you’ll find in a green bean casserole contain fiber. This, along with the saliva production the crunch-snap encourages, will help clean the bacteria off your pearly whites. It might be a good idea to swap fried onions for almonds to avoid bad breath, though.
#4. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries are super good for teeth. Their superpower lies within the Polyphenols they contain, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Basically, cranberries will help protect your teeth from infection, decay, and gum disease.
Unfortunately, the cranberry sauce you pick up from the store overrides these benefits with high sugar content. If you like having cranberries with your turkey, make your own sauce at home so you can control the sugar.
#5. Mac n Cheese
Does your family have picky little ones? They’re in luck, too! Cheese is packed with calcium, a nutrient famous in the dental world for fortifying enamel against cavities. Plus, mac n cheese specifically can be easily combined with other healthy foods, such as chicken or broccoli florets. Though you might have to tell a white lie or two if you’re dealing with tiny food critics that would make Food Network judges blush.
As you get ready to fill up your Thanksgiving dinner plate, remember that too much of anything isn’t necessarily a good thing – then say a quick “thank you” for these five tooth-friendly staples. Your smile will be glad you kept your meal balanced and provided it with the nutrients it needs for shiny, healthy pearly whites.
About the Author
Dr. Lewis knows firsthand how important it is to have strong, healthy teeth and a friendly dental care team that’s dedicated to your oral health. If you’d like to make sure your pearly whites are in tip-top shape this holiday season, she and her teammates will provide quality preventive care services and make sure your dental needs are addressed. To contact Dr. Lewis’ office, call 972-954-9728.