If you ask us, Thanksgiving is simply one of the best times of the year, and something we look forward to every fall. We love spending quality time with family and friends, and of course there’s a whole table full of scrumptious seasonal favorites to tackle! But beyond the extra desserts and post-dinner couch nap, this holiday gives us the perfect opportunity to take a step back from our busy schedules and really concentrate on all the things we’re thankful for.
Here at Scott Edwards Cosmetic And Family Dentistry, we make it a practice to recognize our blessings on a regular basis, but it can be easy to lose sight of them sometimes, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. That’s why we’re taking a little extra time this month to slow down and focus on all the good things in our lives, including patients like you! It’s a joy to help families across Memphis and the Mid-South achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. Our team is so fortunate to have a job we can look forward to each and every day.
Speaking of beautiful smiles, let’s take a quick look at how some of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes can affect your dental health!
Turkey
Gobble, gobble it all up! Turkey is an excellent source of both protein and phosphorous, two of the key nutrients necessary for building and maintaining strong teeth and bones. It can easily get stuck in between your teeth, though, so be sure to brush and floss once you get the table cleared and all the leftovers put away.
Cranberry sauce
Whether it’s made from scratch or comes in a can, you’ll want to watch how much you consume. Cranberries themselves are actually very nutritious, and even contain a compound that’s been shown to reduce cavity formation. Unfortunately, commercial sauces tend to be loaded up on sugar, and homemade versions are pretty heavy on it, too. If you’re going to eat it, stick to a small serving, and be sure to combine it with other foods to cut some of the acid. Brush when you’re finished to get rid of all those cavity-causing sugars!
Mashed Potatoes
They may be a staple on every Thanksgiving table, but mashed potatoes aren’t as good for you as you’d think, at least where your oral health is concerned. Potatoes are a starch, and the bacteria that cause cavities are drawn to the sugar that makes up starches. If you do plan to pile your plate high with potatoes of any kind this week, give yourself an extra helping of butter since it’s low in sugar and acidity, and high in calcium!
Pumpkin Pie
Go for it–within moderation, of course! Pumpkin is good for your teeth, thanks to vitamin A, which builds enamel and also keeps gums healthy. The added sugar is something to watch out for, but you can enjoy a slice knowing that it will also stimulate your salivary flow, helping to wash any lingering food particles away from your teeth.
Happy Thanksgiving from Scott Edwards Cosmetic And Family Dentistry
In case we haven’t already made it clear, we value our patients here at Scott Edwards Cosmetic And Family Dentistry. We’re committed to providing you with the highest-quality dental care now and in the coming new year!
Whatever your plans are for Thanksgiving this year, we hope it’s full of family, friends, and all your favorite holiday foods! Remember the basics of dental hygiene as you make your way through the table full of treats, and know that we’re always here if you run into any questions or concerns about your dental care. Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!