Give Thanks for Good Food and Good Oral Health

Thanksgiving is a time when we are all reminded of the many things we are thankful for. On Thanksgiving Day with lots of plentiful dishes and treats, we are extra thankful for family gatherings and delicious food. But, don't forget to be thankful for good oral health, too!

Just as Halloween comes with oral side effects, Thanksgiving can wreak havoc on your oral health. It can, however, also be a great time to improve your dental status. With the right menu, you can encourage strong teeth and gums, so why not start on this Thanksgiving Day?

A balanced and diverse menu provides many nutrients to strengthen your teeth and gums, making them less susceptible to disease, including tooth decay.

When planning your holiday menu, include foods that are nutritious and beneficial - not only for your overall health but for your oral health. Essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal oral health include calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and vitamins A, C and D. Here's some ideas:

• TURKEY
• High in phosphorus -- great for tooth development! Phosphorus is stored in the teeth and bones and is instrumental in helping your body balance and absorb calcium and magnesium. While turkey is often a staple ofThanksgiving Day dinners, seafood and veal also contain high amounts of phosphorous.
• VEGETARIAN THANKSGIVING?
• Opt for beans, grains and nuts for roasting, raw nibbles, or to incorporate into casseroles or pasta dishes. Beans, grains and nuts provide protein, but are also rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. 
• POTATOES
• Have a proper balance of vitamins and nutrients.
• Milk products in mashed potatoes and other potato dishes provide calcium, which helps strengthen tooth enamel.
• GREEN & WINTER VEGGIE SIDE DISHES
• Green beans, asparagus, butternut squash -- great sources of vitamin A and C which help prevent soft, bleeding gums and help protect against oral cancer.
• CRANBERRIES
• Contain flavonoids that can hinder bacteria from sticking to the teeth and forming dental plaque.
• PUMPKIN PIE
• While the bad (sugar!) might outweigh the good here...at least there is a good!  Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin C and supplies the calcium needed in the development and re-mineralization of teeth. 

What is your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving?

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Dental Floss Uses for Thanksgiving Traditions

From Teeth to Turkey: Delta Dental’s Uses for Twisting Dental Floss into Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food and…floss. Though dental floss is widely known as an essential product for keeping teeth and gums healthy, many have never put this simple tool to work in the kitchen. It has many uses. Try these tips from Delta Dental of Michigan for using floss to help prepare the perfect Thanksgiving dinner:

• Tie it up!
• Floss is perfect to truss up turkey or chicken. It won’t break or stretch as easily as cooking string, and when it’s time to carve the bird, it slips out without sticking. Floss also can be great for tying together bundles of fresh herbs to use in a roasting pan.
• Cut the cake! 
• Floss is an easy and safe way to slice a cake or pie. Simply hold a piece taut (just like when flossing your teeth), and use a back and forth motion to slice through. This is especially good for sticky frosting since toppings stick to cake instead of the floss.
• Baking sheet magic! 
• Easily cut refrigerated dough using taut floss. Remove baked goods without crumbling by sliding floss between them and the baking sheet. 

 

“You can never have too much floss around the house,” said Ari Adler, communications administrator for Delta Dental of Michigan. “It’s not just for teeth and gums anymore.”

Post Credits: http://oaklandcountymoms.com/reviews/solutions/1566-tips-for-twisting-floss-into-thanksgiving-traditions