Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year, thanks to quality time with family and friends and a table full of scrumptious seasonal favorites. But beyond the loaded dessert table and football on in the background, this holiday provides us with a perfect opportunity to step back from our busy schedules and truly think about the things we’re thankful for.
Here at Children’s Dental Center, we work hard to practice gratitude on a regular basis, but it can be easy to lose sight of our daily blessings. That’s why we’re taking extra time this month to slow down and focus on all the good things we have in our lives. That includes patients like you! It’s a joy to help you and your child achieve and maintain a beautiful smile, and we’re so fortunate to have a job we can look forward to each and every day.
Speaking of smiles, let’s take a quick look at how some of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes can affect dental health!
Turkey
Gobble, gobble it all up! Turkey is an excellent source of both protein and phosphorous, two of the key nutrients necessary for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. It can get stuck in between the teeth, however, so be sure to brush and floss once the table has cleared.
Cranberry sauce
Whether it’s made from scratch or comes in a can, you’ll want to keep it light. Cranberries themselves are actually very nutritious, and even contain a compound that’s been shown to reduce cavity formation. However, commercial sauces tend to be full of sugar, and homemade versions are pretty heavy on it, too. If you’re going to eat it, stick to a small serving, and be sure to consume it with other foods since it’s pretty acidic. Brush when you’re finished to get rid of cavity-causing sugars!
Mashed Potatoes
They may be a staple on every Thanksgiving table, but mashed potatoes aren’t as mouth-healthy as you’d think. Potatoes are a starch, and the bacteria that cause cavities are drawn to the sugar that makes up starches. If you are going to pile your plate with potatoes of any kind this week, give yourself an extra helping of butter since it’s low in sugar and acidity, and high in calcium!
Pumpkin Pie
Go for it–within moderation, of course. Pumpkin is good for your teeth, thanks to enamel-building vitamin A, which also keeps gums healthy. The added sugar is something to watch out for, but enjoy a slice knowing that it will also stimulate your salivary flow, helping to wash away any food particles.
Happy Thanksgiving from Children’s Dental Center
In case we haven’t already made it clear, we love our patients here at Children’s Dental Center, and it’s our goal to make you feel valued and appreciated now and in the coming new year!
Whatever your plans are for Thanksgiving this year, we hope it’s full of family, friends, and all your favorite holiday foods! Remember the basics of dental hygiene as you make your way through everything on offer, and know that we’re always here if you run into any questions or concerns about your dental care. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!