With the smell of turkey in the air, pies being baked, mashed potatoes on the stove, and green bean casserole just waiting to be served, it must be Thanksgiving. Soon, families will gather around a table and enjoy a meal giving thanks for all of the good things in their lives.
One thing you might be giving thanks for this year, especially if you’ve just completed treatment with Dr. Reed, is a beautiful, straight, pearly-white smile. Did you know that the Thanksgiving feast you’re about to consume is actually pretty good for your teeth? Yes, it’s true! Here’s why you shouldn’t skip out on the turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie this Turkey Day.
Turkey
Turkey is filled with an incredible amount of goodness! The most known component in turkey is tryptophan - the stuff that makes you sleepy. However, tryptophan also boosts your immune system. This is good for your teeth because a boosted immune system will help fight off any potential oral infections. Turkey is also filled with protein. Protein mixed with some other components in your Thanksgiving meal helps build strong teeth.
Cranberries
Whether it’s freshly prepared, canned, whole, or jellied, cranberry sauce is delicious no matter how you enjoy it. However, it’s also great at preventing tooth decay. Certain components in cranberries ensure that the sugary tooth decay causing substances cannot attach to your teeth during your meal. While you should definitely brush and floss after you finish eating, a healthy dose of cranberry sauce can be helpful in case the tryptophan causes you to take a nap before you get to your toothbrush.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin tastes pretty dang good in just about everything. How else would you end a scrumptious feast with anything but pumpkin pie?! While the sugars in the pie could easily cause tooth decay, the pumpkin itself will actually help your teeth! Pumpkin pulp is filled with Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and magnesium--all substances that promote strong tooth enamel and strong teeth.
So, go ahead, have another slice of pie, another cut of turkey, or another scoop of cranberry sauce. Dr. Reed would approve! Just make sure you brush and floss afterwards, and contact our office if you have any issues or questions about what you can and cannot eat for Turkey Day this year!
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