Are you excited about Thanksgiving? It’s a day when you can indulge without any guilt and enjoy good food that leaves you stuffed. However, some dishes are trouble for your smile, but others can actually be great for your oral health. By choosing these latter options, you can take another step in protecting your teeth. Here’s what you should know.
Teeth-Friendly Main Courses
The star of Thanksgiving is oftentimes the turkey. It’s packed with nutrients that can support your smile. It’s a lean protein that’s rich in phosphorus. This helps keep enamel strong and supports tooth mineralization. Not only that, protein can be used to aid tissue repair in your gums.
Tasty Sides to Indulge In
Sides may steal the show in some cases, but there are still plenty of good choices you can make. Macaroni and cheese is typically filled with milk and cheese. These are high in calcium and, with the phosphorus in turkey, give you the minerals you need to strengthen your smile.
Green beans are another great choice you can have. They are great sources of vitamins A, C, K, fiber, and folic acid. These are all used for your enamel, gum, and teeth health. They play their own role in giving your grin the boost it needs to stay strong.
Diving into Delicious Desserts
After dinner, you may be excited for a sweet treat, but you should have it in moderation. Limiting your sugar intake in general is a great way to reduce your risk of cavities. However, there are a couple of better desserts you can have. Pumpkin pie is a classic choice that has plenty of vitamin A, which is useful for gum health.
A sweet potato dish can also be great, as it has vitamin C and A. But a simpler choice is sliced pears or fruit and yogurt dip. The crunch can stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away harmful bacteria. The yogurt has plenty of calcium and phosphates, so your oral health stays in great shape.
In the end, you should be excited about celebrating Thanksgiving, but choose smile-friendly alternatives for your dishes. That way, you ensure your teeth and gums stay in the best shape possible.
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner earned his dental degree from Washington University School of Dental Medicine. He is dedicated to helping patients in Los Angeles protect their grins with a wide range of treatments. By having routine checkups and cleanings, he can spot any issues and give you the prompt care you deserve. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call his office at (310) 477-1081.