With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many people are already daydreaming about what they’ll be putting on their dinner plate during their annual feast. If you’re looking forward to indulging in your own plethora of festive foods, there’s no need to put your smile at risk. Here are five delicious options that are actually good for your gorgeous grin!
Turkey
For many families, turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving meal! Not only is this beneficial bird extremely delicious, but it also provides a wallop of lean protein, niacin, zinc, and vitamins B12 and B6 which can keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Sweet Potatoes / Yams
In their natural form, sweet potatoes and yams are packed with vitamins A and C, both of which are excellent for your periodontal health. However, if you prepare them candied with loads of sugar and marshmallows, they can actually be harmful to your smile because those sticky ingredients can coat the teeth, increasing your risk of cavities and decay. Thus, to keep your mouth looking and feeling its best, try preparing them roasted, or enjoy sweetened recipes in moderation and alongside plenty of water!
Nuts and Cheese
In addition to delivering plenty of protein and calcium that can help keep your smile healthy and strong, nuts and cheese can boost your saliva production, which can help reduce the levels of acid in your mouth and clear away harmful bits of food and plaque that may cause cavities. Thus, feel free to load up your plate with these savory selections, especially after eating anything that contains lots of sugar or carbs.
Vegetables
When it comes to vegetables of any kind, it’s hard to go wrong. No matter how you enjoy them, they’re loaded with smile-friendly vitamins and minerals, and crunchy raw veggies like carrots, celery, and broccoli can even act like a makeshift toothbrush by scrubbing your teeth as you chew, which comes in handy when you can’t get to a sink!
Festive Foods to Avoid
While there’s certainly no shortage of food to keep your teeth and gums healthy this Thanksgiving, there are unfortunately a few that should be limited or (if you can resist!) avoided altogether, including:
- Stuffing
- Rolls
- Cranberry sauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Pie
- Alcoholic beverages
Remember, good oral health is something to be thankful for- and not just during the holidays, but all year long. So, don’t put your gorgeous grin at risk over one epic meal. Be mindful of your menu this Thanksgiving, and you’ll keep your smile looking and feeling its best all year long!
About Our Practice
Dr. Steven Crovatto and Dr. Megan Edwards are thankful to have you as a patient- and want to ensure your smile stays healthy all year long. If it’s been more than six months since your last checkup and cleaning, don’t let your dental insurance benefits expire this December without paying us a visit! To book your semi-annual exam and cleaning at Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 904-272-0800.