Have you been looking forward to Thanksgiving all year long? Whether you love buttery rolls, gooey pecan pie, or stuffing with cranberry sauce, it’s important to be mindful of how what you eat impacts your oral health. After all, the last thing you want is to begin 2025 with a mouthful of cavities! With this in mind, keep reading to learn four Thanksgiving foods that aren’t great for your smile (and what to pick instead).
1. Pecan Pie
Since pecan pie has a delicious, gooey texture and only comes around this time of year, it’s not surprising that it’s a Thanksgiving staple for many. Unfortunately, the sticky nuts mixed with the sugary filling make it a recipe for disaster when it comes to your teeth. Don’t worry – that doesn’t mean you have to skip dessert entirely! Instead, opt for a slice of pumpkin pie. In addition to being delicious and festive, it contains vitamins that promote gum health.
2. Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potatoes
Marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, which is one of the many reasons it’s a popular side dish. Unfortunately, it’s loaded with added sugar. Since this sweetener is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, it’s best not to over-indulge. Instead, fill your plate with cooked vegetables, like carrots, green beans, and broccoli.
3. Canned Cranberry Sauce
Since cranberries are a vitamin-rich fruit, you might think that cranberry sauce is a healthy option. Unfortunately, commercially produced ones are often loaded with sugar, making them more harmful than helpful when it comes to your oral health. So, if you want the cranberry taste without putting your smile at risk, opt for pure cranberry juice; it can reduce plaque buildup by over 90%!
4. Stuffing
Unlike the other sides on this list, stuffing isn’t high in sugar. It is, however, a heavy starch. Since starches break down into sugar, the end result is ultimately the same. That’s why we recommend filling your plate with more smile-friendly foods first, like turkey, roasted Brussels sprouts, and cooked green beans.
About the Practice
Our team at Plush Dentistry aims to do things differently. That’s why we offer private treatment suites, warm and cold towels, noise-canceling headphones, and several other patient amenities – all with the top-tier dentistry we’re known for. If you reside in or around Frisco and are looking for a new dentist, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (469) 256-7098. We’d love to welcome you to our office and learn how we can help you on your journey to your best smile!