TIPS FOR A TOOTH-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY

Thanksgiving is mere days away! This holiday is known for bringing family together around an enormous selection of food. However, not all of those Thanksgiving food options are healthy or good for your teeth. Thankfully, we here at Kellogg Dental have some dish suggestions for you to serve this year that are both delicious and healthy!  

DRINKS.

Stick to tap water and tea this Thanksgiving. Tap water contains fluoride which reverses damage to tooth enamel caused by acids. Green and black teas help kill bacteria, and green tea is a good source of antioxidants. Get twice the benefits by making your tea with tap water!

LET’S START WITH AN APPETIZER.

While you’re putting the finishing touches on the main course, have a plate of cheese, raw vegetables, and nuts set out for your guests to munch on. The calcium and casein (a protein) in cheese helps to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities! Chewing raw veggies and nuts produces extra saliva that fights germs, prevents decay, and washes away bacteria. Nuts are a good source of calcium and minerals that remineralize and fortify teeth. Vegetables like celery are especially good for your dental health because their fibrous strands help to clean between your teeth.  

TIME FOR THE MAIN COURSE.

Fun fact: rinsing with sesame oil instead of a mouthwash like Listerine has been shown to reduce the effects of plaque. In some cases, it has even been shown to reverse the effects of gingivitis! Now, you may be wondering what this has to do with the main course for Thanksgiving Dinner. Well, sesame oil is a popular cooking ingredient! This Thanksgiving, serve some of your favorite vegetables sautéed in sesame oil as a delicious and healthy side dish.  

END THE NIGHT WITH A TREAT!

This year, whip up some honey yogurt dip and pair it with fresh pears. What makes this dish so healthy? Pears have been shown to neutralize acid on the surface of teeth, the calcium and phosphates in the yogurt strengthen and remineralize teeth, and honey is a natural antiseptic.

To make this dish, all you need is a cup of plain greek yogurt, two tablespoons of honey, and a dash of ground cinnamon. Set the dip in a bowl surrounded by thinly sliced pears and you’re good to go!

In addition to being a healthy choice for your teeth, all of these foods are good for your heart and waistline. These healthy food choices let you enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner without jeopardizing your health or smile.

Happy Thanksgiving from Kellogg Dental!