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It’s that time again. Thanksgiving is a special holiday centered around family traditions and great food. However, if you’re trying to watch your dental health, you may need some help. Many of the foods and beverages you may place on your table could be giving your teeth a hard time.
If you want to find some tooth-friendly substitutions for your Thanksgiving feast this year, continue reading.
Pecan Pie to Pumpkin Pie
Pecan pie has 31 grams of sugar per slice, not even accounting for the sugar in toppings like ice cream. Sugar is one of the primary food sources that bacteria in your mouth feed on to create cavities.
Pumpkin pie, on the other hand, is a good source of vitamin C, iron, niacin, and potassium. These are all minerals that teeth need for continued development and healthy structure. Just try to go easy on the whipped cream.
Dried Fruit to Fresh Fruit
Dried fruit is delicious and is used in many cookie or cake recipes, or simply eaten straight as a snack. While dried fruit is certainly a lot healthier than chowing down on candy throughout the day, it still leaves much to be desired due to its concentrated sugar content.
As with pie, high sugar contributes to cavities as bacterial plaque eats it to produce acid. This wears down your teeth over time and makes them weak.
Instead, try offering fresh fruit like apples or pomegranates. These have great nutritional value and actually clean your teeth while you eat them!
Turn Your Wine into Water
Red wine is a popular beverage that pairs well with all the heavy, savory foods on a traditional Thanksgiving table. However, wine is acidic, and alcohol is known to inhibit saliva production. The acid in wine erodes tooth enamel and the alcohol ensures that your saliva can’t do its job fighting bacteria.
Together, these effects can enable bacterial plaque to cause cavities or even gum disease. To combat this, try drinking water after you’ve had your wine or swap it out altogether. Water can break down acid and plaque and will stimulate your salivary glands!
With simple tweaks like these, you can dig in at the dinner table while keeping your dental health intact. Be conscious of your food decisions and try to do what’s best for you. Once the feasting is done, consider scheduling a trip to the dentist. They can give your mouth a checkup and cleaning to give you peace of mind.
About the Practice
At Renaissance Dental, their team of passionate, professional dentists is ready to provide you with top-notch dental care. They use their skills to create customized treatment plans that will have you living your smile dreams in no time. If you’re ready for a comfortable and friendly dental experience, you’ve come to the right place. To schedule an appointment, call (817) 289-5200 or visit the website to explore other services.
