With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Americans will soon dine on a wide range of foods with friends and family. While many may be concerned about watching their waistline, few people realize the impact that these popular dishes have on your smile. Discover the Thanksgiving staples that are least likely to do damage to your teeth this year.
Homemade Cranberries (Without Added Sugar)
Believe it or not, this popular Thanksgiving delicacy can be excellent for your smile, so long as it’s not tainted with added sugar. Cranberries have the unique quality of blocking tooth decay, making them unexpected cavity fighters. However, beware of canned cranberries and cranberry sauces that have extra sugar, because it will reverse any benefits for your teeth.
Turkey
One of the best foods for your teeth this Thanksgiving is the main course. Turkey has nutrients that are crucial for regrowing gum tissue such as a high content of protein. In addition to being a major source of protein, turkey is loaded with these useful nutrients:
- Antioxidants – Fight cancer and heart disease
- Vitamin B6 – Produces energy in the body
- Selenium – Boost production of hormones
- Folic Acid – Excellent for mental health
With the only detractor being that it can get stuck between your teeth, this is minor assuming you’ll brush it away once the festivities are over. Enjoy your turkey this Thanksgiving and your body will be energized and refreshed – at least until the tryptophan kicks in!
Sweet Potatoes
As a verifiable superfood, sweet potatoes pack nutrients that are phenomenal for your body and smile. While their magnesium is excellent for your mental health and iron is great for your immune system, their main benefit for the teeth comes from their vitamin D. Sweet potatoes are versatile, so however you choose to eat them, just make sure there’s no added maple syrup which can detract from their many benefits.
Green Beans in Sesame Oil
Did you know that sesame oil is an effective method that is frequently used to clean the teeth? While this isn’t the right opportunity to delve into the details of oil pulling to clean your teeth, just know that oils like sesame and coconut actually have a positive effect on your smile. Regarding green beans, there is no vegetable that is bad for your teeth, and with Vitamins like A, C, and K, it’s clear that this is arguably the best Thanksgiving dish for your smile.
Make Smart Choices and Keep Your Smile Bright this Holiday
All of us at the Smile Creator of Bingham Farms wish you a happy Thanksgiving! Feel free to enjoy your favorite Thanksgiving classics and remember to keep your smile fresh afterward by brushing and flossing. If you need to schedule an oral care appointment this holiday, don’t hesitate to contact us in our Bingham Farms office. We can’t wait to hear from you!