6 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving Feast

If you’re like most folks, you may worry about how your Thanksgiving meal can affect your waistline. Since we’re dentists, we worry about how it can affect your teeth! The good news is, our tips for a healthy Thanksgiving feast will help you keep your teeth – and the rest of your body – in good shape. 

You should:

• Take Seconds of Turkey – Of all the food on the table, turkey is likely your best choice. Other than the tendency to get stuck in teeth, it shouldn’t have any ill effect on your smile. It’s good for the rest of you too, since it’s packed with protein. If you do get some turkey in your teeth, just try to remove it as soon as you can, preferably with floss. 
• Try to Cut Down on Sugars and Starch – Watch out for sugars in side dishes – but also starches as they turn into sugar in your mouth. That’s why mashed potatoes and mac and cheese may not be as smile-friendly as you think. Corn also contains lots of starch. Vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots are good choices if they aren’t swimming in sugary sauces. 
• Make Your Pie Pumpkin – Because it contains relatively little sugar and usually isn’t topped with meringue, pumpkin is a far better choice for pie than apple, berry, lemon, or other options. You can feel especially virtuous if you skip the whipped cream. 
• Drink Lots of Water – Water is your best beverage bet. Drinking it during the meal will help wash away bits of food. If you want something other than water, unsweetened iced tea is a good choice. Forgo the soda, as it is full of sugars and acids that can eat into your tooth enamel. If you insist on soda, drink it with a straw to minimize contact with teeth. Your waistline will thank you too, as soda is full of empty calories.
• Don’t Forget Oral Hygiene – We know you’ll probably want to nap after your meal. But brush and floss first, if possible. If you’re nowhere near a toothbrush, at least rinse your mouth out with water before hitting the couch. 
• Schedule an Exam if You Need One – To keep your teeth in great shape, you should visit one of our Athens, GA offices every six months for an exam and cleaning. We’ll remove problem-causing plaque from your teeth and also look for issues like cavities and gum disease so we can treat them in their earliest stages. If you or any family members are overdue for exams, call us today to make your appointments.

Visit McRae Family Dental online or schedule an appointment by calling one of our offices:

• Baxter Street – 706-480-9410
• Trail Creek – 706-430-3191 
• Epps Bridge – 706-430-3102