Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means that you have numerous tasty food to look forward to. The feast is the most iconic component of the holiday and when it comes to staying healthy during any food-centric holiday, maintaining awareness of what you’re eating is important. No, thanksgiving doesn’t pose the same threats to your oral health as Halloween does, but there are still certain things to keep in mind while digging into the tasty meal — and its leftovers in the following days. In today’s blog, your Conroe, TX dentist discusses the most common elements of the thanksgiving feast and how each one can affect your oral, and overall, health.

Turkey

What is Thanksgiving without turkey? The holiday and this bird are forever intertwined, and it is near-impossible to think of one without the other. Overall, turkey doesn’t pose many risks to your smile, and its high protein content makes it one of the healthier components of the meal. Plus, it is extremely tasty (if prepared properly). The only thing to pay attention to is it getting caught between your teeth. If after you eat, you notice some turkey lingering in your smile, simply use floss and rinse. After a large meal, in general, it is also a good idea to brush your teeth to minimize any build-up of bacteria. 

Mashed Potatoes And Gravy

Mashed potatoes and gravy come in just behind turkey as one of the most enduring and essential parts of the meal. Again, this popular item does not pose too many health risks; in fact, potatoes contain B6, Potassium, and Vitamin C. One downside is that it contains a lot of starch, which bacteria gravitate toward because of its sugars. Not so much related to oral health, but gravy often contains a lot of fat. Like with most things, just being aware of these facts can help you make informed decisions. We would never suggest not enjoying mashed potatoes; in fact, go ahead and have an extra bite for us! As mentioned above, it is wise to brush your teeth and drink plenty of water to leave your teeth as clean as possible. As the year winds down, this is also a great time to reach out and schedule a dental checkup.

Cranberry Sauce And Pumpkin Pie

While these two dishes may not seem similar enough to fall under the same heading, both typically contain lots of sugar. The cranberry sauce, in particular, also has lots of acids that can damage your enamel. Its color can also stain your teeth, which is never desirable. Pumpkin pie, like most desserts, is very sweet and the sugar can be damaging. Again, just be sure to brush your teeth after you eat, and you should be fine! 

Reach Out To Learn More

If you have any questions about thanksgiving foods’ effects on your teeth, please reach out to us! Contact The Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX by calling 936-441-4600.