Thanksgiving is finally here, and you’re probably busy getting ready to host your family and friends—and this probably includes preparing quite a bit of food. Turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole—the list goes on and on! However, Thanksgiving food isn’t just delicious—certain dishes also have a positive impact on oral health, especially for children! Continue reading below to learn more about a few Thanksgiving dishes that are tooth-friendly and certain to bring a big smile to your little one’s face!
1. Turkey
If there’s one food that serves as the headliner for Thanksgiving, it’s turkey. Turkey at Thanksgiving is a timeless tradition, and there are numerous ways to prepare the bird for your family to enjoy. But no matter if it’s brined, fried, or baked, it’s certain to provide your child with a boost to their oral health. Turkey is high in protein, as well as phosphorous, which is a naturally occurring mineral that plays a role in the formation of bones and teeth. It also assists with remineralizing teeth; just be sure your kid is brushing and flossing after dinner!
2. Green/Winter Vegetables
It’s not always easy to get kids to eat vegetables, but there are few doubts that green and winter veggies contain all sorts of nutrients and vitamins that benefit a growing child. Green beans, spinach, broccoli, and kale are all healthy options that you can sneak into various Thanksgiving dishes. Just be mindful that options like green beans, while undeniably healthy, lose some of their inherent healthiness when baked into a casserole.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Despite their name, sweet potatoes as well as yams do possess some oral health benefits. They’re full of vitamins A, C, and B6, all of which greatly promote healthy gums. They also boost the body’s brain health! Kids tend to love sweet potatoes too, granted they taste sweeter than normal spuds. That said, when combined with marshmallows into a sweet potato casserole, they pose a threat to enamel—so ensure that your child is brushing thoroughly afterward!
4. Pumpkin Pie
No Thanksgiving feast would be complete without pumpkin pie—and with a scoop of Cool Whip on top, you’d be hard-pressed to find a dessert your child enjoys more! That said, while pies are sugary and sweet, pumpkin pie does contain a decent amount of vitamin A, which strengthens enamel and keeps gum tissue healthy. Just be sure your child only has one slice after their meal—there will be plenty of leftovers!
About the Practice
The talented team at Village Pediatric Dentistry has proudly served patients and families in the Cumming, GA area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan. They’re thrilled to offer a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for your little one before the year’s end, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (678) 456-5572.