If you appreciate someone, a great way to let them know is to show that you care about their health. Pampering someone when they’re sick or cooking them a nutritious meal can make them feel loved. As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s good to think about what we might be taking for granted, and how best to show gratitude.
Teeth are one of those things that we might not show our appreciation for often enough. They help us eat, talk, and smile. They’re also forced to bear the brunt of some of our worst eating habits. If you want to show your teeth some thanks, there’s no better way than to protect your oral health over the holidays. Here are a few ways to do that.
Watch out for Carbs
Most people are well aware of the hazards sugary sweets can present to their teeth, but may not be as cautious around other types of food. However, Thanksgiving staples like dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, and stuffing contain starches that can be equally harmful to your oral health. These foods stick to your teeth and feed the bacteria that live in your mouth, which contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. This Thanksgiving, you might try filling up on turkey and roasted vegetables instead.
Swoon for Sweet Potatoes
Whether in pies, fries, or casseroles, nothing says autumn like sweet potatoes. They can be associated with sugar and starches, but these tubers are packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6—nutrients that are known to strengthen teeth, reduce inflammation, and protect gums. If you make your sweet potatoes without marshmallows, you can take advantage of their health benefits without the added sugar.
Look out for Bones
There’s nothing better than biting into a good turkey leg, but you should be careful when you do. Turkey bones are hard, meaning you could chip a tooth. It doesn’t help that we usually use our front teeth to bite into drumsticks, which are thinner and more delicate than our molars. Try eating your turkey this year by pulling it off the bone.
It doesn’t take much to show our teeth we care. Just watch out for a few of the most dangerous foods, and your oral health should improve markedly.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Gromling has been at his Stephens City dental practice for 40 years, and he feels privileged to have made so many wonderful connections with his patients. His chairside manner and attention to detail have earned him the support of his community, including some families who have been seeing him for as long as he’s been in practice. Dr. Gromling received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University, and he participates yearly in several continuing education programs. If you have any questions about how to take care of your teeth this Thanksgiving, Dr. Gromling can be reached at his website or by phone at (540) 869-4377.