6 Smile-Friendly Holiday Foods

The holidays are a time to share hearty meals with all of your loved ones. But be careful; some foods are better for your family’s smiles than others. If you don’t want to have to make any trips to the dentist once the holidays are over, you may want to make sure that your meals feature foods that are good for the teeth and gums; below are 6 suggestions.

1. Turkey

For many holiday meals, turkey is the main attraction. You may not even realize it, but turkey is filled with all kinds of nutrients – such as protein, calcium, and vitamin D – that can strengthen your teeth as well as your jawbone. Of course, if you want to get the full oral health benefits of turkey, you may want to refrain from covering it with cranberry sauce (which tends to be high in sugar).

2. Green Bean Casserole

Vegetables are generally great for your mouth, and green beans are no exception. They contain both vitamin A and vitamin C, which are important for maintaining healthy gums and protecting them from infection.

3. Charcuterie Boards

For some families, it’s traditional to set out a charcuterie board filled with cheeses for people to snack on until the big holiday meal is ready. Cheese, of course, is high in calcium, which is an essential mineral for rebuilding the enamel protecting your teeth and strengthening it against decay-causing bacteria.

4. Broccoli Cheese Soup

This dish can be a great choice for the winter holidays. Not only can it warm you and your loved ones up, but it also promotes healthier teeth and gums due to containing vitamins K and C. And of course, the fact that the dish includes cheese means that your teeth will also enjoy the benefits of calcium.

5. Salmon

It’s not uncommon for salmon to be served at holiday gatherings, and this can be good news for your smile. Salmon is packed with vitamin D, phosphorous, and omega-3 fatty acids; these nutrients can go a long way toward helping you enjoy healthier teeth and gums.

6. Deviled Eggs

In addition to containing jawbone-strengthening vitamin D, deviled eggs are also a great source of selenium, which helps prevent lesions from forming in your mouth. On top of that, the vitamin b2 in eggs can protect the gums from inflammation.

The foods discussed above can allow your family to enjoy a truly filling holiday meal while keeping their smiles safe. Are you looking for more examples of foods that are good for the teeth and gums? You can always speak to your dentist to see what they suggest.

About the Author

Dr. Byron L. Reintjes has been treating smiles in Fresno for more than 30 years. He earned his dental degree at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry. His practice offers high-quality dental care for adults and children alike. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Reintjes during the holidays, visit his website or call (559) 438-6684.