Top 5 Tooth-Friendly Foods for Turkey Day: Thanksgiving Treats for a Great Smile!
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s natural to think about all the tasty food you’ll soon enjoy: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and more. Kicking back with family and friends, watching some football, enjoying time together – few holidays top Thanksgiving’s feel-good factor!
That’s assuming Uncle Frank keeps a lid on the political discussion (sorry, we can’t help with Uncle Frank).
Here’s something else to think about: are all those wonderful foods good for your teeth? Gum disease and cavity rates are high among U.S. adults. Almost half show signs of gum disease, and 90% have at least one cavity, according to the U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The holidays – Thanksgiving included – provide plenty of challenges for optimal teeth and gum health. Which Thanksgiving foods are fine for your smile? We’re often asked that here at Dr. Dental, so we figured it would be a good idea so share some of our favorite Thanksgiving treats!
Thanksgiving Foods to Smile About!
Thanksgiving doesn’t get the bad reputation for tooth health like some holidays. Halloween is the undisputed all-time villain in this regard, thanks to an endless barrage of sticky, sugary, gooey gobs of candy and other sweet treats.
But Thanksgiving has its share of pitfalls (and perhaps cavities) as well. Just like every other day, you have to watch out for extra sugar, which unfortunately isn’t exclusively confined to the dessert table.
Instead of listing the foods to avoid, we took another approach; here are five different Thanksgiving foods you can eat, worry-free, in regards to oral health:
- Turkey. The star of the table is also approved for its tooth-friendly attributes. Packed with nutrients, turkey is an obvious choice. What’s more, turkey also contains plentiful protein, which will keep you full and less likely to indulge in sugary desserts. When it comes to optimal oral health during the holidays (especially Thanksgiving), the bird is the word!
- Homemade cranberry sauce. Canned cranberry sauce isn’t recommended, given the excessive sugar content. However, a tart homemade cranberry sauce is an excellent Thanksgiving treat for your teeth and gums. It makes the perfect dessert after a hearty turkey day meal.
- Vegetables in sesame oil. Some studies have shown that sesame oil has beneficial anti-plaque properties. To keep your mouth healthy during turkey day, try some veggies sautéed or cooked in a small amount of sesame oil. This not only helps improve your smile, but it also adds a nice non-traditional twist on traditional Thanksgiving
- Homemade yams. Yams contain generous amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are shown to promote gum health. Just watch out for the canned varieties; they’re loaded with preservatives, sugar and other processed ingredients.
- Pumpkin pie. More nutritious than you think (it’s loaded with enamel-boosting Vitamin A), pumpkin pie is a surprising entry in smile-approved turkey day foods. Plus, pumpkin pie generally contains less sugar than other pies. In moderation, pumpkin pie qualifies as a tooth-friendly dessert. If your pumpkin pie has a bunch of whipped cream, it’s always a good idea to rinse or brush your teeth afterwards.
Visit Dr. Dental Today – We’ll Get Your Oral Health on Track for the Holidays!
From Halloween candy binges to Thanksgiving dessert overload, Dr. Dental is here to help with you and your family’s oral healthcare needs. Routine cleanings, root canals, and everything in between – whether you need a post-holiday exam or long-term dental care, we’re here for you!
Visit any one of our area offices. With dental facilities located throughout Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, Dr. Dental is the New England region’s #1 dental care network. We offer convenient payment plans, comprehensive dental services, and a family-friendly atmosphere!
Don’t forget about our deals and discounts! Dr. Dental’s new patient cleaning special and other great deals are a great way to improve your smile today. We look forward to seeing you soon.