As you get your shopping list ready for Thanksgiving, you and your family may be adding favorites that must be on the table. Some staples help make the meal more satisfying, but some foods may not be the best for smiles. This can be especially true for your child, as their growing grin deserves to stay safe! Here are three swaps you can do to help their teeth stay protected.
1.) Swap Bread Rolls for Vegetables
Your child may stack some buttery rolls on their plate after getting everything else they wanted. While they are a soft option that tastes great with sides, the starches are what cause trouble. The bacteria in your loved one’s mouth feed off of it and create an enamel-dissolving acid. This can cause cavities if it’s not properly cleaned off.
Instead, you can encourage your child to eat cooked carrots or bell peppers! They are great for their gum health since they are rich in vitamin C. Broccoli and leafy greens are also good choices, as they have calcium, keeping their teeth strong.
2.) Swap Bone-In Meat for Sliced Options
As you cut a piece of turkey or other kind of meat for your loved one, be sure that it doesn’t have any bones in it! They may want to dig in right away and accidentally bite into it. This can cause a chip or crack, making you need to take a trip to their pediatric dentist right away.
Instead, give your child sliced kinds that don’t have anything hard in them. They’ll be able to enjoy the meat safely and get protein and phosphorus, which are great for strengthening their teeth and jaw.
3.) Swap Pecan Pie for Pumpkin Pie
To end the delicious dinner, you may serve up a slice of pecan pie. It’s often a staple for many families, but this dessert isn’t the best for growing smiles. With it being loaded with sugar, your loved one may be more likely to develop a cavity. Not only that, but bits of it can easily get stuck between their teeth!
Your child may protest not having a sweet treat at the end, so consider opting for pumpkin pie instead. While it still has sugar, it’s also packed with vitamin A. This nutrient is helpful in keeping gums healthy.
By making these simple swaps, you can still keep Thanksgiving dinner delicious while being safe for your loved one’s tiny teeth. That way, they continue to have a happy smile that stays strong.
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M Health Science Center at Dallas School of Dentistry. With nearly 30 years of experience, she is happy to help the kids in the Coppell community start their oral healthcare journey on the right foot. Dr. Steele wants to make taking care of teeth fun, so your child can bring healthy habits into their adulthood. If it’s time for your loved one’s next semi-annual checkup, schedule an appointment or call her office at (972) 315-3355.