It’s the time of year to be thankful for all the good in our lives and celebrate with all of our traditional favorite Thanksgiving foods. Did you know that a lot of the dishes you prepare could have benefits for your dental health, too? That’s just another thing to be thankful for. Here are how all of your favorite Thanksgiving dinner foods rank in regards to your dental health. 

The Best Thanksgiving Dinner Foods for Your Teeth

Are your favorite Thanksgiving foods good for your teeth? The American Dental Association explains on their MouthHealthy blog how your favorite feasting foods rank in regards to your oral health:

Turkey

The best part of eating turkey is that this main dish is packed with protein. However, turkey can easily get stuck between your teeth, so flossing afterwards is your best bet. There’s no reason to avoid the turkey though — so fill up your plate! 

Cranberry sauce

This Thanksgiving staple is found on most people’s tables during the holidays. However, the sugar content and acidity in cranberry sauce makes this side a little tricky. When enjoying this dish, the ADA suggests not eating by itself because it can be sticky and temporarily stain your teeth. Rather, choose to eat it along with something else to keep it from getting stuck between your teeth and to prevent the acidity from attacking your smile. 

Sweet potatoes 

This side dish is rich in good vitamins, like Vitamin A and C, which are essential to keeping your gums healthy. You can also prepare sweet potatoes in a number of different ways. The only warning for this dish is when you begin to add marshmallows and other fun toppings that could stick to your teeth. If you enjoy candied yams this season, just do so in moderation and properly clean your teeth afterwards. 

Green bean casserole

This veggie side is filled with green beans, mushrooms, and onions, all of which are healthy foods. Just be weary of this casserole’s stickiness and its ability to get stuck between your teeth. Floss afterwards and you should be fine! 

Mac-n-cheese 

Who doesn’t love macaroni and cheese? This popular Thanksgiving dish is often filled with cheese and milk — so it’s not lacking in calcium! Calcium can help strengthen your teeth, but the stickiness and starchiness can leave behind gunk on your teeth. Like with all your favorite holiday foods, enjoy in moderation and clean your teeth well afterwards. 

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Potatoes are filled with vitamin C, B6 and potassium. However, they are starchy and can cause cavity-causing bacteria to cling to your teeth. When you enjoy gravy over your potatoes, the nutritional benefits of the dish are weakened, however, the ADA (and us!) say enjoy since Thanksgiving only happens once a year. 

Pumpkin pie

This holiday staple is packed full of Vitamin A, which protects your teeth and strengthens your enamel. However, this dish is full of sugar. Since it’s a Thanksgiving tradition, enjoy this dish if you wish, but shortly after eating it after dinner can help keep saliva flowing so you wash away any leftover food. 

Protecting Your Oral Health No Matter What You Eat

No matter what your diet for the holiday involves, it’s important to have a strict oral hygiene routine year-round to keep your teeth healthy. It’s easy to just go through the motions with your dental hygiene routine, but don’t get too relaxed with cleaning your teeth. If you need a refresher, a good oral hygiene routine includes: 

• Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time (don’t rush the brush!)
• Use proper equipment, like fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush
• Practice your technique, holding your toothbrush at a slight angle and focusing on the gumline 
• Replace your toothbrush every three months
• Gently floss daily 
• See your dentist twice a year 

Call Dr. Chris Bockrath and Mountain Aire Dentistry

Our team is passionate about helping you maintain optimal oral health year round — whether it’s the holiday season or just a random Tuesday. Oral health is essential to your overall health, and keeping a healthy smile is proving to be just as essential as eating well and exercising. At Mountain Aire Dentistry, our team will help make your dental care an easy, relaxed process and will thoroughly listen to your concerns and assess your needs. You and your family deserve nothing but the best in dental care! Make an appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry today by calling (303)-731-7755.