Is overindulgence a common occurrence at your holiday table? The table is full of delicious foods that you don’t get to eat year-round, especially the tasty desserts and buttery side dishes. While this common practice may be the expectation, what if you opted to make this year’s spread healthier and more smile-friendly? As you prepare your menu, consider which holiday foods you can serve that will keep everyone around your table happy.
Don’t Forget the Turkey
Turkey is the focal point of any Thanksgiving meal. When bringing out the fully cooked bird on a beautiful platter, you can feel good about serving up this protein-filled dish. This delicious meat also includes vitamin D and calcium, both of which are essential if you want strong, healthy bones and teeth.
While you may be tempted to pile on the cranberry sauce or another one of your favorite spreads for added taste, be careful, as these can often be full of sugar and highly acidic.
Get Crafty with Charcuterie
Whether you want to make it a pre-meal mini feast or the main course, changing up your Thanksgiving to include a charcuterie spread is one way to keep smiles happy and healthy.
Full of meats, cheese, nuts, and various fruits and vegetables, this is the kind of dish that will positively impact your teeth and gums. Calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients can be just what your smile needs for proper protection against dental decay and bad bacteria.
Don’t Skip Out on Chocolate
When it comes to sweet treats, they are not created equal. Some are more damaging than others, which is why your dentist will likely approve the use of dark chocolate as opposed to other forms that are more commonly used (i.e., milk or white chocolate).
When making a dessert for the holidays, think of ways to incorporate this rich flavor. The antioxidants found in dark chocolate are ideal for neutralizing harmful acids, lowering your risk of gum disease, and combatting bad breath.
Try to use it when baking a cake, cookies, or pie – don’t worry, your family and friends will love it!
Other special add-ons you can include for a healthier holiday meal include various nuts, yogurt, fresh fruits (i.e., apples and pears), cooked vegetables (i.e., broccoli, green beans, etc.), and more. No matter which ones you choose to prepare, know that the smiles that gather around your table will thank you.
About the Practice
Page Family Dental consists of four dentists who understand that the holidays can be a challenging time when it comes to oral health and hygiene. Whether you’re hosting or traveling for Thanksgiving this year, you’ll want to make smart choices when it comes to filling your plate. Contact us at (781) 284-5443 if you would like some helpful suggestions to keep your smile looking and feeling its best this time of year.