Thanksgiving Foods for a Tooth Friendly Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time of the year when you get to celebrate with lots of delicious foods. Traditional holiday delicacies like stuffed pies and sauces are rich in starches and sugars, two of the main ingredients responsible for tooth decay and cavities. When eaten in large quantities, these foods can pose a threat to your oral health. 

At Arden Dental Care in Sacramento, CA, we always educate patients on how to maintain their oral health. For this reason, we’ve put together a list of Thanksgiving foods and beverages that you can enjoy while also protecting your oral health.

Turkey

Turkey is full of nutritious protein and phosphorus minerals. These valuable nutrients will help keep your teeth, gums, and jaw strong and healthy. However, it may get stuck in your teeth. So, don’t forget to floss after your meal.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A and vitamin C that help maintain gum health. Still, they can also get stuck between your teeth and should, therefore, be consumed in moderation followed by plenty of water and flossing.

Cranberry Sauce

Canned cranberry sauce contains a lot of sugar and you should consume it in moderation.

Vegetables in Sesame Oil

Sesame oil has beneficial anti-plaque properties and can protect your teeth against decay. So, try cooking your vegetables in sesame oil to keep your mouth healthy this Thanksgiving. 

Homemade Yams

Yams contain considerable amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C, which promote gum health. 

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie normally contains less sugar than other pies. When eaten in moderation, pumpkin pie is considered a tooth-friendly dessert. However, if your pumpkin pie is laced with whipped cream, you should rinse or brush your teeth after eating it.

How to Maintain Healthy Teeth During Thanksgiving?

The best way to protect your teeth during the holiday season is to follow a proper oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss after eating to remove food particles. When you enjoy your favorite beverages, follow them up with a glass of water to rinse off any residue. 

If you have braces, dentures, or other dental prosthetics, follow your dentist's recommendations on the types of foods to eat. 

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning. If you are due for your regular checkup, contact Arden Dental Care at (916) 481-2001 or visit us at 1832 Avondale Ave Ste 1, Sacramento, CA 95825.