Thanksgiving Food and Dental Health

Thanksgiving is almost here!  It’s my favorite holiday of the year as the tradition of giving thanks is uplifting, hanging out with friends and family therapeutic and the fact that we don’t have to run around getting gifts and decorating the house, the yard, and the kids very liberating.  And then, of course, there is the food… oh the THANKSGIVING FOOD:  turkey and all the trimmings, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, pumpkin pie!

And the best thing from the dental stand point is that many of these foods promote good dental health. Surprised???  Well, here is the scoop of why the traditional foods served at Thanksgiving have been shown to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

• Carrots and Celery: Often served alongside a roast turkey, carrots and celery are vegetables which are rich in fiber. Besides being great for your stomach, fiber stimulates your gums, which is good for your dental health.
• Sweet Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes are richly nutritious with a proper balance of vitamins and nutrients appropriate for oral health. They are loaded with carbs and proteins and rich in vitamin B and C. Potatoes do not stick on the teeth unlike other starchy foods which serve as haven for oral bacteria.
• Cranberries: Recent research indicates that cranberries hinder the oral bacteria from sticking to the teeth and forming dental plaque.
• Turkey: It is considered to help in remineralization of the enamel whose minerals are damaged by acid produced by bacteria.
• Greens and Winter Vegetables: Most Veggies are just great for health. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, flavanoids and coenzyme Q10. These prevent the gums against damage and promote their healing.

So have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your food!  Don’t forget however to brush and floss afterwards right before you fall asleep full of turkey, pies, and another year of wonderful memories.