Thanksgiving is a time of year when tables are often full of mouthwatering dishes, savory and sweet alike. While you may be eager for the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pecan pie, you might also be thinking about ways to incorporate healthier options to ensure a cavity-free smile. If you want to make the switch to a more tooth-friendly meal, here are four ways you can do it.
Trade Pecan Pie for Pumpkin Pie
Pecan pie may be a Thanksgiving staple, but if you want to avoid the stickiness that comes with this popular dessert (and possible cavities), swap it out for another must-have, pumpkin pie. Instead of ingesting high amounts of sugar (an estimated 31 grams) and increasing your risk of developing tooth decay, you can opt for a healthier alternative.
Pumpkin pie has significantly less sugar and is packed with vitamin A, a helpful addition to keeping your gums healthy.
Swap Wine for Water
Wine can be a nice add-on when enjoying your Thanksgiving meal, but it’s often full of sugar and is highly acidic. This means that it will erode your tooth enamel more quickly, which can lead to tooth stains and dental sensitivity.
Choose water instead, as it will flush out any food particles and bacteria that might try to harm your pearly whites and gum tissue. If you decide to drink a glass of wine, keep a cup of water nearby so that the darkly pigmented contents of the alcohol do not remain on your teeth.
Choose Fresh Fruits Over Dried Ones
If you tend to keep a nut and fruit dish around for guests to enjoy on Thanksgiving, consider swapping dried options, like apricots, raisins, and cranberries, for fresh ones. Not only do dried fruits stick to your teeth, which can cause cavities to form, but they often contain lots of concentrated sugar.
Fresh fruits contain natural sugars, which are better for you. Combine it with raw vegetables, and you have micro toothbrushes that can help rid your teeth of bacteria that are trying to adhere to your enamel and break it down.
Sliced Meats Mean Fewer Dental Emergencies
Whether you are a turkey breast kind of person or you prefer the turkey leg, it’s best to avoid bones when possible. The reason is that biting down into a piece of meat that contains bone can increase your risk of a dental emergency. No one wants to miss out on family fun because of a sudden need to visit the dentist.
This is why it’s best to choose the sliced variety, or you can cut the meat off the bone for a safer yet similarly satisfying taste.
Get ready for Thanksgiving to be a success this year. By making these simple swaps, not only will your guests be grateful, but your teeth will thank you as well.
About the Author
Dr. Valeria Labastida is a dentist in Alpharetta who encourages patients to be proactive about their oral health. By offering preventive services designed to minimize the risk of dental decay, gum disease, infection, and more, she and the team at Alpharetta Modern Dentistry provide insight and helpful tips to make the holidays easier to navigate. If you are preparing for Thanksgiving and want to make healthier choices, contact us at (470) 683-6271 to speak to a member of our team.