For the first time, many Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving over video calls instead of in-person this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re meeting your family virtually or in real life, one thing remains the same: those classic Thanksgiving foods! However, many of these delicious holiday treats can spell disaster for more than just your waistline. Unless you want to end up spending Thanksgiving with your emergency dentist in Center, here are four Thanksgiving dishes you should avoid for the sake of your smile.
Cranberry Sauce
The tart flavor of cranberry sauce perfectly complements a finely roasted turkey. Unfortunately, cranberry sauce is chock-full of sugar. Even worse, it contains no fiber or protein at all. All of that sugar fuels destructive bacteria in your mouth, increasing your risk of tooth decay.
To better preserve your oral health, opt for fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce. That way, you have more control over the amount of sugar you’re eating. Don’t forget to brush your teeth (or rinse your mouth with water) after the meal to prevent the cranberries from staining your pearly whites.
Stuffing
Because this Thanksgiving staple is often made from bread, it can seriously harm your teeth. Bread contains starches, which stick to your teeth and attract cavity-causing bacteria. Try using beans instead of bread as a base for your stuffing. It will make your teeth healthier while also upping your fiber intake.
Fruitcake
Despite the fact that “fruit” is in the name, fruitcake isn’t actually very mouth-healthy. Dried fruits can stick to your teeth, giving bacteria ample time to feed on them and create cavities. When possible, it’s always best to opt for fresh fruit instead of its dried counterparts. To satisfy your sweet tooth this Thanksgiving, make a fresh fruit crumble, which has significantly less sugar.
Sweet Potato Casserole
While sweet potatoes themselves aren’t all that bad for your teeth, the harm comes when people place a layer of marshmallows on top. Marshmallows are loaded with sugar. To cut down on your risk of getting cavities, focus on making your sweet potato casserole more of a savory dish than a sweet one by avoiding too much sugar.
If you find it impossible to ignore your sweet tooth this Thanksgiving, then be sure to brush your teeth after eating. Or, if you’re unable to do that, at least swish some water around in your mouth. This will cleanse your teeth of leftover sugar particles that could result in some unexpected bad news the next time you visit your dentist in Center.
About the Author
Whatever is standing between you and optimal oral health, Family Dental Center of East Texas in Center, TX is here to help. Our talented and highly trained dentists proudly offer a vast array of high-quality dental services, from routine cleanings to custom smile repairs. They always do their best to provide same-day appointments for dental emergencies like toothaches, even on weekends. For urgent care for any smile pain that may arise this Thanksgiving, don’t hesitate to contact them via their website or at (936) 427-9070.