10 Thanksgiving Foods for your Dental Health

10 Thanksgiving Foods to Promote Your Dental Heath

There are many things to be thankful for at Thanksgiving: Family, Friends, Health, and a Great Thanksgiving Feast.  As Fort Collins Dentists, we want to remind you which foods can help promote good dental health at your Thanksgiving table.

1. Turkey contains high levels of phosphorous that help developing teeth and assist with re-mineralizing the enamel on your teeth
2. Sweet potatoes are naturally packed full of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C.  Also, they are more nutritious than regular white mashed potatoes.  Vitamin A helps with the formation of tooth enamel.  Both vitamins A and C aid with the healing of your gum tissue.
3. Cranberries contain flavanoids, which assist to prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and forming dental plaque.
4. Celery consists mainly of water. Saliva is produced by chewing celery, helping to neutralize cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. Also, celery cleans between your teeth and massages your gums.
5.  Puréed cauliflower is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and fiber.  The puréed cauliflower is a great low-calorie alternative to regular mashed potatoes.
6. Cheese is high in calcium helping to strengthen bones and rebuild tooth enamel.  Also, cheese helps balance your mouth’s pH level, produces saliva, and kills the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
7. Onions have a great antibacterial sulfur compound which prevents cavities.
8. Shiitake Mushrooms contain lentinan, a naturally occurring sugar that prevents mouth bacteria from forming plaque.
9.  Raisins contain the phytochemical oleanolic acid which helps stop bacteria causing cavities and gum disease.
10.  Pumpkin Pie is loaded with Calcium and Vitamin C that aids with developing teeth, healthy gums and stronger bones.

Happy Thanksgiving from Front Range Dental Center!  We hope you and your family have a safe holiday!    Remember to brush after eating!