If there’s one thing everybody loves during the holiday season, it’s enjoying a hearty, festive meal. Everyone has their own traditions about what to serve at their holiday feasts, with some examples being turkey, roast beef, ham, lamb, gingerbread, pumpkin pie, and a plethora of other delicious dishes. In the interest of everyone eating well while protecting their dental health during the holidays, here’s a short list from your dentist of some smile-friendly dishes you can include at your holiday banquet.
Moods Will Be Perky When You Serve Turkey!
Turkey is the traditional meat served at the Thanksgiving feast. Its large size makes it an impressive centerpiece and allows it to feed a table full of people with leftovers to spare. Thankfully, this generous bird is full of nutrients that your teeth need to stay healthy and strong like protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Your teeth will thank you for enjoying this festive fall delicacy.
Keep Your Enamel Whole with Green Bean Casserole!
Vegetables are wonderful foods for both your oral and your overall health, and green bean casserole is full of them. Green beans are chock full of vitamins A and C, which are crucial nutrients for the health of your gums. By keeping your gums healthy, you can prevent gum disease that, if left untreated, can cause irritation, bleeding, tooth loss, jawbone erosion, and dangerous secondary infections like pneumonia or sepsis. Be sure to enjoy some green bean casserole alongside a tall glass of water to help wash away any residues it leaves behind on your teeth.
Everyone’s On Board for Charcuterie Boards!
Charcuterie boards often include foods like cheese, meat, and grapes, and all of these can be great for your oral health. Cheese is full of calcium, which helps restore enamel and keep your teeth fortified against damage and decay. Hard cheeses can also help clean your teeth by wiping away plaque as you chew on them. Meat is rich in protein, which is essential to the health of your teeth and gums. Grapes contain no added sugar and are naturally high in fluoride, making them a great snack for your dental health.
The finishing touch for your dental health during any holiday meal is practicing excellent oral hygiene. Brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash will cleanse your mouth of bacteria and food debris, helping to keep it looking great and infection-free. Combine these habits with regular dental visits, and you can rest assured that your teeth will be healthy for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Jones earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Florida College of Dentistry before completing a Master of Science and a residency program in prosthodontics. He currently serves as a member of the American College of Prosthodontics and the Academy of Osseointegration. His office in Vero Beach, FL offers general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. For more information on smile-friendly holiday feasts, contact his office online or dial (772) 234-5353.