The time is nigh for pigging out on Thanksgiving. The turkey, the mashed potatoes, the cranberry sauce – we all love it! While all these delicious options are certainly pleasing to the eye and taste buds, people’s smiles tend to suffer a bit during this time of year. With that in mind, check out these easy food and drink swaps you can make to your dinner to stay orally healthy!
Swap Sugary Drinks for Water
Between sweet tea, soda, cranberry cocktails, and other holiday beverages, it can be easy to consume more sugar than you realize. Sugary drinks feed cavity-causing bacteria, which produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Instead, make water your beverage of choice. If you want something with more flavor, try infusing water with fresh fruit or enjoying unsweetened iced tea. Water also helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids in your mouth.
Choose Fresh Vegetables Over Sugary Side Dishes
Thanksgiving side dishes can be surprisingly hard on your teeth. Candied yams, sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows, and glazed carrots often contain added sugars that increase your cavity risk.
Consider swapping these dishes for roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad. Crunchy vegetables such as carrots and celery can also stimulate saliva production, helping naturally wash away food debris and protect your teeth.
Replace Sticky Desserts with Smile-Friendly Options
Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, caramel apples, and other holiday desserts can leave behind sugars that cling to your teeth. Sticky and chewy sweets are particularly troublesome because they can remain on tooth surfaces longer.
Instead, consider serving fresh fruit, such as strawberries, apples, or pears, for dessert. If you still want to enjoy your favorite pie, that’s perfectly fine! Just try to eat it with your meal rather than snacking on sweets throughout the day.
Trade Sticky Cranberry Sauce for Fresh Cranberries
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple, but many canned and homemade varieties contain considerable amounts of added sugar. Cranberries are naturally acidic, too, which can contribute to enamel erosion when consumed frequently.
Try making a lower-sugar cranberry sauce or serving fresh cranberries alongside your meal. Remember to drink water afterward and avoid brushing immediately after eating acidic foods.
Choose Cheese Instead of Sugary Snacks
Rather than filling your appetizer plate with cookies, crackers, and other sugary or starchy snacks, include cheese, nuts, and other tooth-friendly options. Cheese contains calcium and phosphorus, which help support strong teeth. It also stimulates saliva production, helping neutralize acids in your mouth. Nuts provide nutrients without the added sugars found in many traditional holiday snacks.
Making healthier food choices doesn’t mean sacrificing the flavors and traditions you love. Small Thanksgiving swaps can make a meaningful difference in protecting your teeth and gums. Along with enjoying a balanced diet, remember to brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and drink plenty of water.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Aptaker has dedicated himself to providing the Manasquan community with superior dental healthcare for more than 10 years now. He’s a graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and has extensive post-graduate training in dental implants and restorative procedures. He also attends monthly local continuing education seminars and study clubs to stay on top of dental advancements. With friendly, personalized service and convenient evening hours, Dr. Aptaker and our team happily welcome you in for your next preventive visit, especially during this time of year. Contact us online for scheduling or call (732) 223-9199.