7 Tooth-Friendly and Not-So-Tooth-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods

As you’re enjoying your Thanksgiving dinner, you’re likely not thinking about how each of the foods that you eat can impact your oral health, and while that’s not the only factor that should determine what you eat, it’s still good to know. By knowing what foods on the table are tooth-friendly and which ones aren’t, you can make better choices for your dental health. Read on to learn which of these seven popular holiday foods are tooth-friendly and which ones aren’t.

Tooth-Friendly: Turkey

Turkey is a lean protein that’s great for your oral health, regardless of how it’s prepared! It’s high in protein and phosphorus, which the body uses to help repair tissues and cells as well as build DNA and RNA. Because of its properties, it’s able to help strengthen your enamel and protect teeth from cavities.

Tooth-Friendly: Ham

Some people opt for ham during Thanksgiving instead of turkey because it’s just as delicious and makes a wonderful dinner table centerpiece! It also offers 15 percent of daily recommended zinc intake, which can not only strengthen enamel, but also boost gum health.

Not-So-Tooth-Friendly: Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows on top is a delicious and highly craveable Thanksgiving treat, but unfortunately, due to the carbohydrate load of this dish, it makes it less than ideal for your oral health. Because carbohydrates like sugar attract harmful oral bacteria, consuming too much sweet potato casserole could increase your risk of developing cavities.

Tooth-Friendly: Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and fiber. Together, these can fortify the outermost protective layer of teeth and fight off oral infections and inflammation. As a tooth-healthy topping alternative, you can substitute fried onions for toasted almonds!

Not-So-Tooth-Friendly: Mashed Potatoes

Due to their starchy content and ability to easily fill the crevices of your molars and between your teeth, it’s best to opt for only a couple of scoops of mashed potatoes. The starch will also break down into sugar, luring harmful oral bacteria that can cause cavities.

Tooth-Friendly: Fresh Cranberry Sauce

While the classic canned jelly cranberry sauce isn’t great for your oral health, freshly made cranberry sauce is! The natural compounds found in fruits such as blueberries and cranberries, called polyphenols, can help fight off harmful oral bacteria. However, a downside of this side dish is that it typically tends to be sugary, so be mindful of how much you eat!

Not-So-Tooth-Friendly: Stuffing & Rolls

Regardless of whether you’re eating cornbread, whole grain, or white bread stuffing or rolls, your body will take these carbohydrates and break them down into sugar, which bacteria love to feed off of. With time, exposure to these carbohydrates can lead to decay.

About the Author

Dr. Ulysses Marable III opened Fantastic Smiles in 2007 to provide families in Fort Valley with the high-quality dental care they deserve. He’s passionate about building strong, trusting, long-term relationships with his patients, encouraging them to take excellent care of their smiles and educating them on how to maintain good oral hygiene. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit Fantastic Smiles’ website or call 478-825-3000.