Thanksgiving is as iconic for its sentiment as it is for its feast, but when it comes to your oral health, not all your favorite festive foods are created equally. If you’re wondering how these traditional treats measure up when it comes to protecting your teeth and gums, here’s a breakdown of the best (and worst) turkey day options!
Turkey
Don’t worry about gobbling up this beneficial bird! Turkey is not only lean, but also packed with nutrients like niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, and vitamin B6, all of which are great for your teeth and bones.
Vegetables
You can’t go wrong with a good vegetable! Whether raw, steamed, or roasted, vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, squash, and green beans are all excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, and when served raw can even help scrub your teeth clean as you chew.
Sweet Potatoes
They may be called sweet, but despite their sugar, these potatoes are good for your gums. That’s because they have both vitamins A and C. But be careful if you serve them candied or with marshmallows, as these can take their toll on your teeth. If you do, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your teeth clean.
Nuts and Cheese
Cheese helps your teeth by providing a boost of calcium, and nuts can help increase your saliva production to keep the acid levels in your mouth low and wash away sugar and debris that could be clinging to your teeth!
The Worst…
Unfortunately, not every Thanksgiving menu option is good for your teeth, so while it is still okay to enjoy these foods in moderation, be careful to limit how much you have, and brush and floss your teeth well before heading to bed at night! Foods to keep to a minimum include:
- Cranberries
- Mashed potatoes
- Pie
- Alcohol
- Rolls
- Stuffing
Remember, Thanksgiving dinner is a once-a-year treat, and it’s really not a big deal to indulge in a few foods that aren’t so great for your teeth on occasion. Just make sure you brush and floss well and try to stay on track with healthier options whenever you can.
About Dr. Glamm
Dr. Jayme Glamm has been fascinated by dentistry since she was a child, watching her own dentist dad with his patients. That early understanding of how one’s oral health affects their entire body has helped fuel her passion for helping others here at Glamm Dentistry. Whether you need restorations, a cosmetic treatment, or you’re interested in preventive maintenance like your semi-annual exam and checkup, she and the team are here to help!
To schedule an appointment for your cleaning and exam, please visit our website or call us today at 614-487-0112.