Which Thanksgiving Side Dishes Are Bad For Teeth?

As you sit down at your grandmother’s Thanksgiving table this year, you may find yourself surveying the plethora of food in front of you. From turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes to candied sweet potatoes, casseroles, cranberry sauce, and of course, pie, it’s likely you are already thinking about seconds…or thirds. But before you start piling things onto your plate, have you considered which foods might not be so good for your oral health? Whether this thought has crossed your mind, find out which side dishes you might want to avoid or significantly limit this holiday season.

Which Foods Are Best to Avoid on Thanksgiving

While no food is technically off-limits, it is important that you try to fill up on other, healthier options like meat and vegetables. There are many side dishes that grace Thanksgiving tables each year, but some can cause cavities to form if you’re not careful. Here are some of the foods you should plan to either pass on or limit to avoid tooth decay:

• Stuffing – Although it’s a classic, it consists of mainly starches, which are commonly known to cause cavities. If you want an alternative solution, try making this dish without bread and instead use beans. Not only are they fibrous, but they are much healthier.
• Cranberry Sauce – Cranberries themselves are actually quite good for your oral and overall health, but it is once you add sugar that it becomes dangerous for your teeth. Whether you prefer it homemade or from the can, adding any type of sweetness to these berries will only put your smile at risk of decay. Instead, stick to fresh cranberries and if necessary, use a sugar substitute in moderation.
• Sweet Potato Casserole – Similar to cranberries, sweet potatoes are not bad for your health. They’re full of vitamins that work to improve your teeth and gums. But when you add brown sugar and marshmallows, any nutritional value is thrown out of the window. These become harmful to your smile, as sugar adheres to your tooth enamel and opens the door for tooth decay.

Ways to Take Better Care of Your Smile at Thanksgiving

Avoiding these items may not be what you prefer. If you simply must have a scoop of your mother’s sweet potatoes or your grandmother’s homemade, bread-based stuffing, make sure you take the necessary steps to care for your teeth and gums. You can do this by:

• Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily
• Drinking plenty of water to flush out harmful particles and prevent dry mouth
• Avoid too much alcohol consumption, as this can lead to dry mouth and increased sugar intake

Learning to enjoy these foods in moderation is not only helpful to your smile but also to your body. But if you want to ensure that your teeth look their best in the new year, consider your options when sitting down to eat.

About the Author
Dr. William Twohig has dedicated his life to practicing dentistry and searching for alternative methods to offer his patients. With a breadth of available services designed to combat tooth decay, gum disease, and other common problems, he can help to improve you and your family’s overall health and well-being using natural methods of treatment. If you want to make sure that your smile is in good shape as you head into the holiday season, visit our website or call (920) 867-3101.