A Thanksgiving Feast For Your Teeth And Gums

Gobble-gobble! It’s almost turkey time! As we prepare for one of the biggest meals of the year, the Thanksgiving feast, I am here to wish you a happy holiday and help you be grateful for healthy teeth and gums this season! As you prepare for your Thanksgiving meal, you might think about how it can affect your waistline, but what about your dental health?

The good news is that there are plenty of good foods that are a hit at the Thanksgiving table while also benefiting your teeth and gums. The trick is to know what’s inside what you’re eating and, if possible, choose the home-cooked instead of store-bought options. When you prepare these dishes from scratch, you have control over how much sugar to include in that cranberry sauce, for example, and you can avoid harmful preservatives in processed foods.

So let’s talk about what’s inside some of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes and go over some tips to help you enjoy a guilt-free meal with your closest people.

Turkey

This star at the Thanksgiving table is actually super healthy! Turkey is high in protein, which strengthens the teeth. It is packed with the minerals iron and zinc, which promote healthy mucosal tissues and act as a barrier between your gums and harmful bacteria. It also has the B vitamins, which help prevent periodontal disease and repair damaged gum tissue.

The only downside of homemade turkey is that it gets stuck in between your teeth, so remember to rinse your mouth and floss after your meal.

Cheese

Bring out that cheese plate! Cheese can actually prevent cavities and lower the acid levels in your mouth. Hard and aged cheeses are especially beneficial. Some great examples are Cheddar, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Monterey Jack, and Swiss. Dairy is rich in calcium and helps maintain strong bones and teeth. Additionally, hard cheeses help the production of saliva, which washes out some of the bacteria in the mouth.

But pause before you reach for that mac and cheese! Starchy, refined carbohydrates like pasta can be as harmful to the teeth as candy. Starches made from white flour are simple carbohydrates and can linger in your mouth and then break down into simple sugars. So when  it comes to sticky mac and cheese, have it in moderation and rinse or brush right after your meal.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Cranberries are a superfood, like kale and blueberries. They have numerous health benefits, including being rich in antioxidants and dietary fiber, which have been shown to reduce tooth decay. However, the store bought options are packed with sugar and preservatives, which can damage your enamel and lead to cavities and tooth decay. Homemade cranberry sauce from fresh cranberries and limited sugar is the way to go!

Yams

Every yam is packed with vitamins and nutritional value. Yams can help prevent periodontal disease. Thiamine and Niacin can decrease tooth decay. Vitamin A promotes saliva production, which washes away bacteria. Yams or sweet potatoes are great for your overall health and oral health. Just remember to limit the sugar so that you don’t jeopardize all that nutritional goodness. And go ahead and splurge!

Remember to make time for your dental appointments. With the winter holidays following shortly after Thanksgiving, come see me in the beginning of December to have your teeth cleaned and checked. Call today to schedule your appointment: 718.998.2424. Our office is located at 2464 Coney Island Ave Brooklyn NY.

I am Dr. Yury Slepak. From my family to yours, have a wonderful and blessed holiday!