As you’re probably already aware, the holiday season tends to be filled with sweet, sugary treats that can potentially make it difficult to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Luckily, there are also plenty of holiday foods that are actually good for your overall oral health. Listed below are 5 foods that your preventive dentist recommends if you want to take good care of your smile.
1. Turkey
Turkey is closely associated with Thanksgiving, but it’s often served at other holiday meals as well. In addition to being delicious, turkey is also packed with a number of nutrients that are good for your mouth. In particular, it has calcium that can strengthen the enamel protecting your teeth as well as vitamin D, which can reduce your chances of developing gum disease.
Keep in mind that while turkey can indeed help promote oral health, the benefits might be canceled out if the dish is served with cranberry sauce or anything else that’s high in sugar. It may be better for your teeth and gums to simply eat the turkey by itself.
2. Charcuterie Boards
When your family is standing around chatting before the big meal, a charcuterie board filled with delicious cheese can be the perfect thing to whet everybody’s appetite. Like many dairy products, cheese can be great for your smile due to all the calcium it contains, which can promote stronger teeth that are less susceptible to damage and decay.
3. Cheesy Baked Zucchini Rounds
If you’re looking for other snacks for your loved ones to enjoy before the big holiday meal, cheesy baked zucchini rounds can be a great smile-friendly choice. In addition to being high in calcium thanks to the cheese, this snack also contains a lot of vitamin C, which is great for your gums. As a side benefit, it is also quite easy to make.
4. Green Bean Casserole
When you think of classic holiday side dishes, green bean casserole likely comes to mind. The vitamin A and vitamin C in green beans are great for your gums, making them less likely to suffer from the inflammation that is linked to gum disease.
5. Broccoli Cheese Soup
If you’re looking for something warm to serve during the winter, broccoli cheese soup can be a satisfying choice. Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, but it’s also high in vitamin K, a nutrient that can potentially be beneficial for your oral health in a number of ways. Factor in the calcium in the cheese, and you have a dish that will give you every reason to grin.
Think carefully about what you serve during the holidays. By choosing the right foods, you can ensure that your family is able to enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about their smiles.
About the Author
Dr. John E. Petty completes many hours of continuing education every year. In fact, he had to attend over 500 hours of continuing education courses in order to be recognized as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He offers a wide range of dental services at Petty Dental in Tullahoma. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty before or after the holidays, visit his website or call (931) 454-9499.