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Give Thanks to a Healthy Smile: 3 Thanksgiving Food Swaps to Protect Your Teeth

November 4, 2025

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dr. Jeremy Jorgenson @ 2:09 am
Table full of Thanksgiving food staples

With Thanksgiving coming up, you may be excited for all the delicious food you have planned. This extravagant dinner is a great chance to catch up with friends and family, enjoying each other’s company as a community. However, as nice as it can be, there are some options you have on the table that can be bad for your teeth. To help keep your smile safe, here’s what you should swap out during your meal.

1.)  Swap Dinner Rolls for Vegetables

As a tasty side, you may immediately stock up on some buttery bread before grabbing anything else. You’ll want to get to them before they all disappear after all! As eager as you may be about this option, the starches in them can feed harmful bacteria in your mouth. This can leave you at a higher risk of cavities.

Instead, try to get cooked carrots or bell peppers. These are high in vitamin C, which is great for your gum health! Leafy greens and broccoli are some other options that are full of calcium, that way your teeth stay strong.

2.)  Swap Pecan Pie for Pumpkin Pie

Pecan pie is a stable for many this holiday. Unfortunately, it’s not very good for your grin because it’s often loaded with sugar. Aside from increasing your chances of decay, it can also get stuck easily on your teeth, making it hard for you to fully clean it out. You may still want something sweet to indulge in after dinner, so opt for pumpkin pie.

While this dessert still has sugar, it’s often not as much while also being loaded with vitamin A! This helpful nutrient is great at keeping your gum healthy, so consider ending the meal with this tasty choice.

3.)  Swap Alcohol for Water

To go along with your food, you may want to have a glass of red wine or another alcohol. It can help you fully enjoy the moment with your loved ones, but it may be best to stick to water. That’s because the former beverages are acidic which can erode your enamel over time. Not only that, but they can stain as well!

By having a nice glass of water, you can keep your mouth hydrated and wash away any harmful bacteria and food. That way, you can keep your smile strong and pristine for photos and any other holidays that are quickly coming up!

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Care, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your smile. While you may be excited to indulge in your favorite foods this holiday, we are here to keep your teeth protected from any oral health issues. Through regular checkups and cleanings, we can help you avoid any dental problems to keep your grin as bright as can be. If it’s time for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call our office at (714) 424-9099.