Yum! Thanksgiving will be here soon, which means a table-covered feast of a meal awaits. What are you most excited about? Then again, what are you worried about? While you certainly have your favorites, if you’ve been doing your best to take an admirably loyal approach to protecting your oral health, you may think you know what’s safe for your smile when it comes to food. However, when you’re faced with an overwhelming amount of options, it’s possible to get a bit thrown off and for options that are generally safe to become hazards! Allow our Columbia, TN team to fill you in on some dishes that you may need to consider with some extra caution!
Adding Toppings To Your Sweet Potato
On its own, a sweet potato is one healthy tuber! It’s packed with good-for-your oral health nutrients that you should be thrilled to consume. Of course, this vibrantly orange food is also naturally sweet, so who doesn’t want one? While you can appreciate the fact that its beta carotene is going to be good for the growth and strength of your teeth, you may still want to give into the temptation to pour cinnamon sugar, melted marshmallows, and whipped cream on top of it! Yep, it will taste good. However, all of that sugar can encourage cavity development, so rinse once you’re through!
Turning Pumpkin Into Pie, Cookies, Drinks, And More
Mmm, pumpkin is wonderful for your oral health and has a unique flavor that many love. When you cook it up or bake it and eat it as it is (but perhaps with a bit of butter or salt), you’re giving your smile nutrients like vitamins A, B6, and C (and more). However, when you “eat pumpkin” on Thanksgiving, you may really be consuming pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin-spiced latte, and more. Remember: Just because the word pumpkin is used doesn’t mean it’s “good for your smile.” When sugar and starches are plentiful, remember to rinse (then brush) after.
Nutrient-Packed Sweets Eaten Solo
Our team knows you love your cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving. However, if you love eating this type of fruit-based treat solo, remember: This gives sugar direct access to your teeth! Consider eating sweet stuff with your meal instead, so your saliva is flowing and rinsing your smile (and so staining pigments like cranberries don’t bathe your smile).
Protect Your Smile With Smart Choices By Learning With Us
Come in to ask your questions about your smile, smile care, nutrition, and more, so we may guide you toward excellent dental care. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Creekside Family Dental Care in Columbia, TN, today at (931) 388–3384.