Thanksgiving is coming up, and if you’re wondering how to keep your children’s teeth sparkling and healthy this holiday season, you’re in the right place.
In this guide from Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll discuss a few of the best (and worst) Thanksgiving desserts for your family’s oral health, and give you some tips that will help you protect yourself from cavities during Thanksgiving and beyond!
The Best Thanksgiving Desserts For Your Oral Health
Pretty much all Thanksgiving desserts are high in sugar, but that doesn’t mean they’re all equally bad for your oral health.
Pumpkin pie, for example, gets high marks. It contains a lot of healthy vitamins like vitamin C, and it does not tend to stick to your teeth, so it’s a pretty good choice. It also tends to contain less sugar than other types of pies.
Most fruit pies like berry pie and apple pie tend to be more acidic and sugary compared to pumpkin pie. Consider limiting your intake of these pies and rinsing afterward if you indulge in these sweet treats, and always use moderation.
Ice cream, which is also often eaten with pumpkin pie and other pies, is not too bad for your oral health if you rinse afterward. It’s not acidic and doesn’t get stuck in your teeth, and if you rinse away the sugar after you eat it, you won’t have to worry too much about cavities.
Desserts & Sweet Treats To Avoid
As a rule, sticky treats that are loaded with sugar are the worst for your family’s teeth during Thanksgiving. Pecan pie, for example, is loaded with sticky, caramelized sugar that can be very difficult to remove from your teeth. Caramel corn is similar, and sharp shards of popcorn and sugar can easily become lodged between your teeth.
How Can I Protect My Teeth And My Children’s Teeth During The Holidays?
What should you do if you and your kids love Thanksgiving treats? Do you have to ditch your favorite pies because of high sugar content? No, and you can still protect your teeth if you follow these tips.
- Use moderation – Too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and that’s especially true with sugar-laden pies and sweet treats.
- Eat sweets with meals – Eating stimulates saliva production, so this helps keep your teeth safe. You’ll also eat less pie and other desserts if you’re already full from a meal.
- Avoid snacking – Don’t snack on treats throughout the day, since this can encourage the buildup of acid and bacteria in your mouth.
- Brush and floss properly – You and your kids need to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once per day. It also doesn’t hurt to brush your teeth after eating pie or any other sugary dessert.
- Rinse after eating – Even if you don’t brush after each sweet treat, you should rinse your mouth out with water or mouthwash to remove sugar particles and keep your smile healthy.
Keep Your Little One’s Mouth Healthy This Holiday Season – Come In Today!
At Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Julie Hantson is here to help you keep your child’s smile bright. Contact us online or give us a call at (781) 205-1124 to schedule a checkup right away, and make sure your little one’s teeth stay healthy this holiday season and beyond.
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