November is officially here, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner! It’s a special time of the year that’s all about sharing gratitude, reconnecting with loved ones, and (of course) eating heaps of delicious food. Although your belly may be satisfied on this day of indulgence, some dishes can put your oral health at risk. That said, here are some popular Thanksgiving side dishes you should watch out for.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving classic that hardly makes an appearance outside of this special day. Unfortunately, this tasty sauce contains excessive amounts of sugar and offers very little nutritional value. Consuming all of that sugar provides nourishment and energy to the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Therefore, it’s a good idea to try and make cranberry sauce that calls for fresh cranberries. It’ll be easier to control the amount of sugar your loved ones consume on turkey day.
Stuffing
What’s a Thanksgiving feast without stuffing? Although it doesn’t contain unhealthy amounts of sugar, most recipes revolve around bread. The starchy food gives the bacteria in your mouth the energy they need to attack tooth enamel. Also, stuffing can be sticky and linger on your teeth after eating it, causing further damage. Luckily, you can get your fix by making a healthy breadless stuffing that uses beans instead of bread. This alternative is full of protein and fiber, making it a much more nutritious dish than the standard recipe.
Fruit Cake
Since fruit cake contains the word “fruit”, many people assume it’s a healthy meal. However, that’s far from true. This seasonal favorite is full of dried fruit, which can pose a threat to your oral health. Not only is dried fruit high in sugar, but it’s very sticky and can stay on the teeth long after you finish a meal. If you’re looking for a tasty alternative, consider making a fresh fruit crumble! It has less sugar and isn’t nearly as sticky, making it a healthier choice for your pearly whites.
Sweet Potato Casserole
By themselves, sweet potatoes are a superfood that provides valuable vitamins for tooth and gum health. However, sweet potato casseroles are an entirely different story. They’re made to be a dessert, rather than savory, and topped with a layer of melted marshmallows. The combination of sweet potatoes and marshmallows can harm your teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. For the sake of your oral health, consider making a savory recipe that doesn’t require sugar or marshmallows!
Are you excited about your family’s Thanksgiving dinner? By watching your consumption of the foods listed above, you can enjoy a problem-free smile all season long!
About the Practice
At TrueCare Dentistry, we provide exceptional and high-quality dental care that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling after every appointment. From standard checkups to beautifying cosmetic treatments to dental implant placement, we’ve got your oral health needs covered. For more holiday tips, visit our website or call (469) 399-7288.