"The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest" -William Blake
As we near Thanksgiving, we anticipate the turkey, mashed potatoes, squash casserole, cranberry sauce and of course...pumpkin pie. One thing we can be thankful for is a beautiful smile. Don't forget to add some leafy greens to your meal to keep your teeth healthy and strong!
Dr. Charles W. Wakefield, professor and director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program at TAMHSC-Baylor College of Dentistry recommends you, “Eat foods that provide the vitamins and minerals needed for good oral health. Foods rich in calcium, phosphorous and vitamins A, C and D should be part of the holiday meal.”
Turkey is beneficial for your teeth because it is rich in phosphorous. This aids in tooth development, rebuilds tooth enamel and helps prevent bone loss.
Also, add a small portion of potatoes – sweet or mashed – on the side. They contain nutrients and, unlike other starchy foods, don’t stick to your teeth.
Fruits and vegetables like citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spinach and kale supply needed vitamins A and C. Cranberries are a delicious menu item because they prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth.
Pumpkins are a great source of vitamin C, iron, niacin and potassium. It is totally okay to partake in a piece of pumpkin pie as a treat...just be sure to brush and floss those pearly whites!
After dessert, have a refreshing glass of water to help wash bacteria off your teeth. Stay hydrated!
This Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for our patients, our staff and our families. May your holiday season be filled with thankfulness, family, love and blessings.
Resource: https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/give-thanks-for-a-healthy-smile/