Do Any Traditional Thanksgiving Foods Have Dental Health Benefits?

The Thanksgiving feast is a time-honored American tradition that has friends and family sitting together at tables across the country every year. This is a great time to catch up on recent events, make new memories, or even just enjoy a nice meal together. It might surprise you to know that several items in the traditional Thanksgiving spread can be beneficial for your oral health. Here are a few foods that your teeth will appreciate at the feast this year.

Turkey – Lean and Packed with Protein

Turkey is the all-important main course of the Thanksgiving holiday, and it’s full of protein that can play a big role in keeping your teeth strong. It’s also low in fat and high in nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and zinc. It also contains phosphorous, which is great teeth and the bones in the jaw. Just remember to floss afterward to clean any lingering bits that might get stuck in your smile, and you might want to bring a mouthguard in case you start grinding in your food coma. As long as you keep those considerations in mind, feel free to gobble up!

Green Bean Casserole – A Tasty Source of Vitamins and Nutrients

Green bean casserole has become a traditional side dish on the Thanksgiving table. Green beans are packed with fiber, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and K. If you want to make it even healthier, you can top it off with toasted almonds instead of fried onions. This will give you a healthy, colorful side dish full of the nutrients your teeth and gums need to stay healthy and strong. Be sure to give your teeth a good flossing afterward to get rid of any remaining debris from between your teeth.

Macaroni and Cheese – Loaded with Calcium

Some people love to have mac n’ cheese on Thanksgiving. Fortunately, this famous comfort food is full of milk, making it rich in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is an essential mineral to the health of your teeth and bones, and vitamin D makes it easier for the body to absorb calcium and other minerals. It’s also too soft to put much wear on your teeth, so have a second helping if that’s your pleasure.

Be sure to have a feast to remember this Thanksgiving. Just remember to be mindful of what you are eating and to clean your teeth thoroughly afterward. Taking care of your teeth during this and any other important meal will keep them healthy and shiny year-round.

About the Author

Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti earned her dental doctorate from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and has advanced training in important dental services such as oral sedation, laser dentistry, and dental implants. She proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her offices in Tampa and Clearwater, FL offer general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule a post-Thanksgiving feast dental exam, contact her office online.