During Thanksgiving, we at Dr. Joy Lunan’s office look forward to delicious food and time with family and friends just like you do. While no one wants to think too much while in celebration mode, we think it’s a good idea to discuss certain foods and how they could effect your teeth and overall health.

Thanksgiving is a holiday infamous for rows of food options, some of which are not especially healthy. Let’s take a look at some of the staples and see how they stack up.

Appetizers:  Plates of crudites, cheese cubes and mixed nuts are great to snack on while dinner is being prepared. Cheese is great for the teeth because it contains strength-building calcium. Casein, found in milk products, fortifies the surfaces of teeth, helping you to prevent cavities. Nuts contain calicium and minerals that strengthen and remineralize teeth. The action of chewing crunchy nuts and vegetables helps produce more saliva which fights germs and prevents decay while washing away bacteria.

Side Dishes:  Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A and C which helps to keep gums healthy - just try to keep away from too many marshmallows. Fruits,such as natural cranberries, act like a detergent in your mouth by stimulating saliva. Mashed potatoes are an important source of Vitamin C, B6 and potassium. The green beans, mushrooms and onions in that famous green bean cassserole are all healthy ingredients and beneficial to your smile. Try to include leafy greens, brussel sprouts, beets, carrots and cauliflower in your menu as well.

Main Course:  Turkey is packed with protein and helps to rebuild tooth enamel as the calcium found in it combines with phosphorous and Vitamin D.

Dessert:  Pumpkin pie is probably at the top of your list. The Vitamin A found in this delicious treat helps keep your gums healthy and builds your tooth’s enamel. Dish it out after dinner – eating sweets shortly after a meal helps to keep saliva flowing which helps to wash away any leftovers.

Things to keep in mind:  While we all love the stuffing, breads, potatoes and pies, they do contain sugar. Sugar, as any carbohydrate you eat, can start the process of feeding the bacteria in your mouth that can cause cavities. Acidic foods like cranberries or certain juices can break down or weaken your tooth’s enamel, which makes you more prone to decay.

A great tip for keeping your mouth healthy is to bring your toothbrush with you if you are traveling this Thanksgiving. Be sure to floss and brush after you gobble down that feast! 

The most important thing to do for your teeth and oral health is to make sure you schedule your six month check ups with Dr. Lunan. This will ensure that any hard calculus build up on your teeth is removed, which is not possible with regular brushing.

All of us at Dr. Joy Lunan’s office sincerely wish you and your family and friends the very best this Thanksgiving.  If there is anything we can do for you this hiliday season, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.      (203) 598-7920   www.middleburydentist.com    Check out our reviews.