With Thanksgiving around the corner, you might be getting prepared to cook your favorite annual foods. You may be excited to indulge in some items more than others, but be wary of a few. Certain choices can harm your smile if you aren’t careful. Here’s what you should know and how you can protect your oral health this holiday.
Which Side Dishes Should You Limit This Thanksgiving?
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or visiting friends and family, there will likely be many dishes that you can add onto your plate. However, these can affect your teeth and gums the more you have them:
- Red Wine
- Stuffing
- Pecan Pie
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Cranberry Sauce
These foods have a high amount of sugar and starches. They feed the bacteria in your mouth and increase your risk of cavities and other dental problems. Not only that, but many are also highly acidic and dark-colored. So, you may also end up with tooth stains.
Which Options Are Healthier for Your Smile?
While some of the dishes above might be your favorite, you can limit them to lower your risk of issues, but you can also swap them out for better alternatives, such as:
- Turkey, ham, and other protein-packed foods won’t stick to teeth and have little sugar.
- Green bean casserole doesn’t have much sugar or starch.
- Pumpkin pie is a better dessert option compared to other pies because it has vitamin A and less sugar to promote gum health.
- Baked sweet potatoes aren’t covered in marshmallows and brown sugar.
How Can You Protect Your Smile This Holiday?
The good news is that you don’t have to completely avoid your favorite sides, but you should protect your oral health if you do decide to indulge in them. A great thing you can do is to drink plenty of water. This will rinse harmful bacteria, wash away lingering particles, and neutralize acids on your teeth. Don’t graze and eat your sides with your meals, or add fresh fruits and vegetables to your plate.
At the end of the night, don’t forget to brush and floss. That way, you remove any plaque that might’ve accumulated and keep your smile in the best shape it deserves to be.
About the Practice
Want to protect your teeth and gums? Our team at Exceptional Dentistry & Sedation Center is dedicated to helping patients in Gainesville avoid dental problems with effective preventive care. Led by compassionate dentists, we can spot early warning signs and give you the prompt treatment you deserve. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at 352-332-6725.