Let’s be honest: You’re not getting many healthy food choices on Thanksgiving. These foods can also be disastrous for your teeth. However, you can have a delicious meal that is also good for your healthy smile. Here are some healthy Thanksgiving tips as recommended by the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Appetizers. Put out plates of raw vegetables, cheese cubes, and assorted nuts for your guests to snack on while dinner is being prepped. Cheese contains strength-building calcium so it’s great for your teeth. Chewing on raw veggies produces extra saliva to wash away bacteria. Nuts contain calcium that strengthen and mineralize teeth.
Main Course. Sauté your vegetables in sesame oil for a delicious side dish. Believe it or not, sesame oil is good for your teeth. You can even replace mouthwash with sesame oil to reduce the effects of plaque and potentially reverse the effects of gingivitis.
Dessert. If you have the discipline to pass up the pies and cakes, congratulations. An alternative to these unhealthy dessert choices is to serve slices of apple and pear and dip in a combination of plain Greek yogurt, two tablespoons of honey, and ground cinnamon. Don’t forget our previous blog in which we expressed how pumpkin is good for you, so if you want pumpkin pie, that’s 100% fine with us.
Beverages. Please pass on the sodas. Tap water contains fluoride which reverses acid damage to the enamel. Green and black tea kill bacteria and fight cavities. Brew the tea with tap water and you combine both benefits.
All of these food choices, excluding the pumpkin pie, are good for your health as well as your teeth. Enjoy your Thanksgiving without ruining your weight and gorgeous smile. Keep following our blogs for more tips on maintaining your healthy smile.
