Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. However, it’s important to think about what you’re filling your belly with this time of year. Whether it’s your grandma’s homemade cranberry sauce or your mother’s famous apple pie, you may find that your waistband isn’t the only thing in trouble. Your teeth may be, too! Before driving or flying home for the holidays, consider which Thanksgiving foods to limit to avoid a trip to the emergency dentist’s office.
Which Foods Are the Worst for Your Smile?
When sitting down at the table to enjoy the meal your family worked tirelessly to provide, you may find yourself salivating at all the delicious dishes you only get a few times each year. While it might be impossible to pass up anything that passes in front of you, it’s important that you remain mindful of those that can cause the most harm to your teeth.
The following are some of the worst foods for your teeth that you should make sure to limit when filling up your plate:
- Cranberry Sauce
- Stuffing
- Rolls
- Alcohol
- Sweet Desserts (i.e., pies, cakes, cookies, cobblers, etc.)
These often contain high amounts of sugar and starch – two components that bacteria love. When ingested, plaque can form over time, causing harmful acids to begin eating away at your tooth enamel. If left untouched, it can cause a cavity to form.
Are Any Thanksgiving Foods Okay to Eat?
Of course! There are plenty of foods you can feel more comfortable and less guilty adding to your plate. While you should remember that everything is fine in moderation, the most important thing is to adhere to your morning and nighttime oral hygiene routines, as this will help to safeguard your smile each day.
As you survey the dishes in front of you, consider adding more of the following so that you not only fill up but are less likely to reach for sweets and/or starches:
- Turkey
- Cooked vegetables (raw is great, too, as they can act like mini toothbrushes)
- Sweet potatoes (without the brown sugar and marshmallows)
- Cheese
- Nuts
- Fruit
No matter how you plan to spend your Thanksgiving this year, don’t feel guilty for having a small slice of pie or a scoop of flavorful cranberry sauce. Just be careful how much you consume and don’t let it be the prominent dish filling your plate. Otherwise, you might spend your time between holidays undergoing restorative dental care.
About the Author
Dr. Matt Mauck is an Aurora dentist who has been with our dental office since 2010. Earning his dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, he enjoys being able to treat people with all different types of smiles. A proponent of early detection and preventive care, he and his team readily provide helpful tips to individuals who want to maintain better oral health, especially around the holidays. Call our office at (303) 745-1400 to learn how to avoid cavities this Thanksgiving. Our team is here to provide effective solutions, so your smile continues to look its best this time of year.