Your teeth have – hopefully – survived the sweet, sticky, sugar-coated event that was Halloween. Time for the next holiday to potentially put a dent in your dentin – Thanksgiving! We here at Amundson Dental Associates, have put together a list of the good, the bad, and the starchy foods of this all-American food fest.
Foods That Are Good to Gobble
Turkey – Protein-rich foods, like good old Tom Turkey, can actually be good for your teeth. Turkey contains phosphorus, which can help foster strong teeth and bones when mixed with Vitamin D and calcium.
Yams – Yams are naturally sweet, so hold the gooey, sticky marshmallows, please. Served baked or roasted, yams are nutrient-rich and don’t stick to the surfaces of teeth. If you must sweeten them up, a touch of brown sugar or molasses is best.
Veggies – Vegetables like beets, broccoli, carrots and celery contain high amounts of vitamins A and C which are instrumental in repairing gums from periodontal disease.
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin C and calcium, a great combination for strengthening bones and teeth. Be sure to brush your teeth after eating Grandma’s delicious pumpkin pie though.
Cranberry Sauce – Cranberry gets the Gold Star of Dental Health as far as Thanksgiving goes! Recent research has indicated that cranberries contain special compounds that disrupt the development of plaque-causing bacteria. Be sure to make your cranberry sauce with real cranberries and not the stuff that keeps the shape of the can…
Turkey Day Hall of Shame Foods
Pecan Pie – A sticky, sugary, chewy disaster for teeth. At least pumpkin pie has some vitamins to offer!
Popcorn balls – The popcorn and caramel can easily get stuck in your teeth promoting tooth decay, not to mention discomfort!
White Wine - – Although it won’t stain your teeth like red wine, white wine has a high pH level and packs an acidic punch that can erode your teeth.
Stuffing, cakes, and rolls – That’s right. Pretty much all the good stuff! These carb-loaded, starchy treats are great for causing tooth decay.
Okay, we don’t want to ruin all your holiday fun. Go ahead and indulge – in moderation – in some of these forbidden treats. We won’t tell! Just be sure to rinse your mouth with warm water or, better yet, brush your teeth after your big holiday meal.
Bon Appetit!
As always, to schedule a cleaning, examination, or consultation, give us a call at (701) 772-0171. At Amundson Dental Associates, we are here for you!!