Simple Swaps That Benefit Your Teeth This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is filled with warm family memories, delicious dishes, and a few smile-unfriendly foods. The good news? You don’t have to give up your favorite flavors to protect your teeth. With a few easy swaps, you can enjoy a festive feast while keeping your pearly whites bright and healthy.

Choose White Meat Instead of Dark Meat

Turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, but opting for white meat over dark meat can benefit your smile. White turkey meat is leaner and less likely to stick to your teeth, reducing the chances of food particles lingering in hard-to-reach places. It’s also rich in protein and phosphorus—two nutrients that help strengthen enamel.

Swap Candied Yams for Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Candied yams are packed with marshmallows, syrups, and sugars that cling to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. A simple smile-friendly swap is roasted sweet potatoes. They offer natural sweetness without added sugars and provide vitamins A and C, which help support gum health. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Try Homemade Cranberry Sauce Instead of Canned

Canned cranberry sauce contains an abundance of added sugar. Meanwhile, homemade cranberry sauce allows you to control the sweetness and reduce the amount of sugar used. Cranberries are naturally high in antioxidants that support oral health, so making your own version lets you enjoy their benefits without the cavity risk.

Pick Mashed Cauliflower Over Traditional Mashed Potatoes

While mashed potatoes aren’t the worst Thanksgiving food, they tend to be starchy and sticky, which can cling to the grooves of your teeth. Mashed cauliflower is a lighter, lower-starch option that won’t coat your smile as heavily. Plus, it offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.

Choose Pumpkin Pie Instead of Pecan Pie

Dessert is a must for many families—but some treats are much higher in sugar than others. Pecan pie is notoriously sweet and sticky, posing a risk for dental plaque and enamel wear. Pumpkin pie, on the other hand, contains less sugar and offers vitamins A and C while still delivering that classic Thanksgiving flavor. Enjoy it in moderation for a smile-safe finish to your meal.

A few thoughtful substitutions can help you enjoy Thanksgiving while keeping your teeth healthy and bright.

About the Practice

Dr. Beaty and Dr. Walker offer comprehensive preventive dentistry services designed to help families maintain healthy smiles year-round. From routine checkups to personalized oral health guidance, the team at Drew Beaty DDS is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Learn more about preventing dental problems before you hurry off to your holiday feast.

Call us at (253) 839-6544 or request an appointment online.