Thanksgiving is approaching! While many of us worry about our waistline during this time of year, we encourage you to think about your teeth as well! Many of the common Thanksgiving foods and dishes can stick to the teeth and gums and lead to an increased risk of decay.

Best Thanksgiving Foods for Your Teeth

Turkey

Turkey is loaded with protein and vitamin D, which supports bone health, helping to keep teeth strong and healthy.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes have a high amount of vitamin C and A, which can help keep your gums healthy. Be mindful when preparing sweet potatoes, they are best if baked, lightly salted and buttered. Skip the candied sweet potatoes as the increased sugar content can cause tooth decay.

Green Bean Casserole

Green beans are filled with vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which are necessary for your saliva production and gum health.

The Worst Thanksgiving Foods for Your Teeth

Sugary Drinks/Alcohol

One of the worst things for your oral health is sugary drinks and alcohol that are everywhere during the holidays. As we casually sip that cocktail, sugar has the chance to stay on our teeth for hours at a time. This sugar leads to increased bacteria which in turn can cause tooth decay.

Sticky and Acidic Pies

Pies which include; pecan, lemon meringue, key lime, apple pie, etc. are sticky and loaded with sugar and acids that can damage enamel and cause decay. When it comes to pie plan to opt for a simple slice of pumpkin pie which can be homemade with little sugar.

Rolls and Stuffing

In general, starchy foods should be avoided as they are dense in carbohydrates. These carbohydrates breakdown as sugar and have the same impact on the teeth as eating a sugar-loaded piece of pie.

Thanksgiving – Go Ahead and Indulge

Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal. This holiday only comes once a year, but always be sure to practice good oral hygiene by drinking water after consuming sugary or starchy foods and always brushing and flossing after eating.