5 Thanksgiving Foods That Can Wreck Your Teeth

Nearly 90% of adults have tooth decay, which can lead to damage and permanent tooth loss if untreated. Though Thanksgiving is a time to feast, some foods are healthier for your pearly whites than others. Here are a few foods and drinks to be cautious of when planning your holiday meals.

See Prathima Rasamsetty, DDS, and her Preva Dental team in San Antonio, Texas, for routine teeth cleanings and dental exams to maintain the healthiest smile. 

Thanksgiving foods to limit

The following foods, when eaten frequently, can wreak havoc on your teeth this holiday season. Limit or avoid them when possible in favor of tooth-friendly options.

1. Sugary and sticky treats

Sweet treats are often part of traditional Thanksgiving meals, but sugary and sticky foods increase the risk of dental decay. Examples include pies, tarts, cookies, caramel apples, cakes, and candies. Instead, opt for fresh fruit, pumpkin-flavored smoothies, Greek yogurt layered with pumpkin puree, or other naturally sweet options. 

Researchers found that dark chocolate contains a health-promoting bioactive component called theobromine, which helps manage oral health by reducing the risk of tooth decay and hardening tooth enamel.

1. Foods that stain

Red wine, cola, coffee, and cranberry sauce are examples of brightly colored holiday foods and drinks that tend to stain teeth, leaving your smile less than bright. If you develop staining over time, consider teeth whitening at Preva Dental to make your grin multiple shades whiter.

1. High-GI starchy foods

Studies suggest that starchy foods with a high glycemic index (GI) may advance plaque buildup and increase the risk of tooth decay. Examples of such carbs include white rice, white bread, stuffing made with white bread, white dinner rolls, and many desserts. 

Instead, opt for fiber-rich starches like corn, peas, and legumes — or whole grains, such as whole-grain bread, brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain pasta. 

1. Hard foods

Chewing on hard foods increases the risk of tooth damage, including chips, cracks, and breaks. Examples of hard items to avoid biting down on include popcorn kernels, hard candy, and ice. Steering clear helps prevent dental emergencies this Thanksgiving season and beyond. Additionally, don’t open packages with your teeth.

1. Acidic foods

Acidic foods can erode tooth enamel, making your pearly whites more prone to decay, sensitivity, discoloration, pitting, and other types of damage. Examples of acidic foods include lemons, limes, sodas, other carbonated drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and vinegar. 

Some alcoholic beverages (like sweet wines) are also acidic, and alcohol gets linked to increases in tooth decay and gum disease. 

Smile-friendly Thanksgiving alternatives 

The following foods can be part of a nutritious, delicious holiday meal plan that’s healthy for your teeth, gums, and overall health:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Turkey and other lean protein-rich foods
• Dairy foods
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Olive oil and other plant-based oils

Water, milk, and unsweet tea (take precautions to prevent staining) are healthy holiday drinks that can benefit your smile. 

Steer clear of alcohol, added sugar, and refined grains whenever possible — your teeth and health will thank you.

Everything in moderation

You don’t have to go cold turkey this Thanksgiving season by nixing all of your favorite tooth-unfriendly foods. Eating them in moderation can make your holiday experience enjoyable and memorable. 

However, consume cavity-causing foods in smaller amounts if you’d like to include them in your holiday meal plan. Brush and floss your teeth right after meals to reduce the risk of staining, plaque buildup, and decay. 

Maintain a brighter, whiter, and healthier grin by scheduling an oral health evaluation and teeth cleaning at Preva Dental. Contact us today by phone or request an appointment online.