It’s hard not to be thankful when there’s a table stacked with delicious homemade foods in front of you. Classics like turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and stuffing fill the air with mouthwatering scents in most homes, while others may embrace local cuisine by hosting a crawfish boil or enjoying fresh-caught seafood.
No matter what your family tradition is, Thanksgiving, the holiday so unfairly overlooked between Halloween and Christmas, is sure to get your taste buds tingling—but what about your teeth? Obviously, certain Thanksgiving foods—sorry apple pie—are not great for your pearly whites. What about other holiday staples, though? Are there any foods that you and your teeth can enjoy?
The answer is yes! So, read on to discover which Thanksgiving foods your teeth can bite into guilt-free!
Turkey
That’s right, this Thanksgiving heavyweight is tooth approved. It’s packed with lean protein, making it a fantastic healthy option for your entire body. It also contains calcium and vitamin D, which contribute to strong teeth! In other words, embrace that inevitable afternoon nap and have sweet, turkey-fueled dreams of healthier teeth.
Veggies
Look, we know that vegetables are not the most exciting inclusion in a Thanksgiving feast, but the fact remains—they’re good for your teeth! In fact, you can’t really go wrong when scooping up those delicious veggie side dishes. Leafy greens have plenty of calcium to strengthen your enamel, carrots are full of vitamin C, and sweet potatoes are loaded with cinnamon butter—oh, and vitamins A and C!
Pumpkin
Okay, so maybe this particular vegetable generally finds itself in pie form. We’re still giving it a pass. Why? Because pumpkin is just that good for you and your teeth! It has exceptional levels of vitamin A—which is essential in the production and strengthening of your enamel. It also happens to be rich in vitamin C and calcium. So, grab a dessert plate, cut yourself a generous piece of that delicious Pumkin pie, and enjoy!
Cranberries
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Thanksgiving table missing this classic holiday food, so it’s a good thing it’s so packed with tooth-healthy nutrients! Vitamins A and C team up with potassium and other healthy nutrients to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Just be wary of store-bought varieties that tend to be packed with sugar. Better yet, make your own cranberry sauce. It’s a simple process, and you can control the amount of sugar used, making it even better for your pearly whites.
Thanksgiving is a time to come together with your family and loves ones, share a fantastic meal, and truly appreciate the tremendous blessings in your life. The food may be filling, but the spirit of the holiday is even more wholesome.
We hope you have an amazing holiday and find this list helpful in keeping your teeth as happy as your heart this Thanksgiving. For more information on tooth-healthy foods and how you can keep your smile bright, feel free to contact Dr. Wimmer and his team of dental professionals. We’d be happy to hear from you!