Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. But with all that delicious food comes the risk of dental problems. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to protect your teeth from Thanksgiving dinner. Follow these simple tips and you can enjoy your feast without having to worry about your teeth!

Is Thanksgiving Food Bad For Your Teeth?

The truth is, it depends on what foods you choose to eat. Some of the more traditional Thanksgiving dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie can be high in sugar and carbohydrates which can lead to decay if not properly taken care of. On the other hand, lean proteins such as turkey breast or vegetables are much better for your teeth.

Tips to Protect Your Teeth from Thanksgiving Feast:

1. Brush and Floss After Eating:

This is an important part of your oral hygiene routine and it’s especially important after eating a big meal. Brushing and flossing will help to dislodge food particles that are stuck between your teeth and prevent them from turning into plaque. However, it’s important not to brush immediately after eating as this can cause damage to the enamel on your teeth. Instead, wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing.

2. Rinse With Water After Eating:

Rinsing with water helps to wash away food particles that are stuck in your mouth and can reduce the risk of tooth decay. Do this right after eating instead of brushing, as this can help protect your enamel.

3. Enjoy Thanksgiving Desserts in Moderation:

Many Thanksgiving dishes are high in sugar and carbohydrates, which can lead to decay if not taken care of properly. To combat this, enjoy your desserts in moderation and be sure to brush and floss after eating them.

4. Chew Sugarless Gum After Eating:

Chewing sugarless gum helps to stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and can help reduce the risk of cavities.

5. Drink Water During Your Meal:

Drinking plenty of water during your meal helps to keep your mouth clean and prevents food particles from sticking to your teeth. Additionally, it will also help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

The Best Thanksgiving Foods for your Dental Health

Colgate lists some foods that you can add to each course that are good for your dental health.

Appetizers

• Cheese: Whether it’s slices, cubes, or spreads — the calcium from cheese helps strengthen your teeth. In contrast, a dairy protein helps prevent cavities.
• Raw Veggies: Just the simple action of munching on the raw vegetables from a crudités creates additional saliva to help wash away lingering bacteria.
• Nuts: Calcium, and other minerals from nuts, also strengthen and remineralize teeth while chewing these crunchy bites produce extra saliva to prevent decay.

Side Dishes

• Green Beans With Sesame Oil: While green bean casserole is a crowd-pleaser, try sauteeing your green beans in sesame oil. Top with sesame seeds (or maybe just a few fried onions) for a little crunch.
• Fresh Cranberry Sauce: Not the jello-molded canned stuff. We’re talking about the real-deal fresh version of cranberry sauce. Cranberries disrupt certain enzymes in the bacteria found in plaque, making them vulnerable.

Main Course

• Turkey: Whether it’s roasted, fried, or barbecued — the bird is the word. This Thanksgiving centerpiece is high in protein and phosphorus, which helps strengthen bones and teeth and mineralize them to protect against cavities. But be sure to have floss on hand as turkey always finds a way to get stuck between your teeth.
• Ham: While usually reserved for a certain spring holiday, ham is quite delicious. In fact, it’s nutritious too, at just 3 oz. provides 15% of your recommended daily zinc that aids in replenishing your gum line tissue.

Desserts

Sweets following a meal can help spur saliva in washing away your fall feast. Again, you can go traditional, or you take the road less sweetened.

• Pumpkin Pie: Go with a nut crumble crust and pass on the whipped cream because this turkey day staple contains the goodness of both vitamins C and A, which helps keep your outer enamel hard and robust, according to Delta Dental. Although it’s tough, do try to keep it to one slice. Holiday treats are a season of their own.
• Pear Slices With Yogurt Dip: Simple, sophisticated, and naturally sweet. By slicing up some pears and pairing them with a delicious dip of Greek yogurt, honey, and cinnamon — you’ve got a concoction that will rival any baked good to conclude your meal. The fresh pears battle the acid on your teeth. Yogurt’s calcium and phosphates keep your teeth strong. And you’ve got a natural antiseptic with honey. That’s one tasty trifecta.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

We hope that you enjoy the Thanksgiving season and that your teeth remain healthy throughout. Be sure to book an appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle for a cleaning, checkup, or any other dental needs you might have. We’ll be there to help keep your smile shining bright this holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving!