You have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, including your family’s oral health! But to keep their teeth and gums healthy and strong at your big meal and beyond, it’s important to mind your menu and make sure the foods you’re serving aren’t doing unnecessary damage to their mouths.
Here are four great dietary ideas for Thanksgiving dinner that won’t endanger their oral health. Because you’ve got a lot of smiles to make!
Avoid Starches
Starches like potatoes, stuffing, and rolls are all delicious, but the s. mutans bacteria that cause cavities love them just as much as you do. To keep them at bay, limit your carb consumption when possible.
Sugar, Sugar
Sugar plays a starring role in many famous turkey-day dishes, including yams, cranberries, and off course, plenty of pies! Unfortunately, however, it’s notorious for causing cavities because those same sneaky bacteria that snack on carbs are just as “sweet” on sugar!
This year don’t cut the candied yams entirely. Try swapping the sugar in your favorite recipes for a sugar substitute like xylitol. If that’s not possible, make sure you and the family brush well and floss after dinner so all those s. mutans don’t stand a chance!
Garden Goods
Vegetables are always a smart dinner choice, because they’re not only good, but they’re good for you, too. In fact, many veggies have oral health benefits! Red and orange varieties are typically packed with vitamin C, which is great for your gums, and leafy greens are an excellent source of calcium, which can help promote stronger teeth.
Color Guard
Dark beverages like cranberry juice can stain your teeth if you don’t brush well afterwards, so if you do indulge in any other darkly colored drinks, be sure to alternate with sips of water, and brush your teeth well when you’re done.
Remember, keeping your family’s teeth and gums healthy during the holidays doesn’t have to be a challenge with these helpful tips. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge every once in a while, if you do decide to, be sure to get back on track as soon as possible so you don’t create bad oral health habits that continue through the rest of the year!
About Our Practice
At Timber Ridge Dental, Dr. May and Dr. Bowles and the team work hard to ensure that each patient feels comfortable and at ease, taking the time to meet with and get to know them on a more personal level. It is their goal to ensure that you’ll never feel like just another number, nor will you ever feel rushed or pushed to get a service you don’t need or want.
To schedule an appointment for your semi-annual dental exam and cleaning, please visit our website or call us today at 435-654-2020.