The holidays are upon us! How exciting! But when it comes to your dental health they can be a bit worrisome, too. During the holidays, we are exposed to all sorts of delicious foods, many of them sweet treats! If you are wondering how much you should indulge and what to indulge in, take our Thanksgiving quiz below.
Multiple Choice Quiz:
A. These Thanksgiving foods are good for your teeth:
- Turkey
- Yams
- Pumpkin pie
- Both 2 and 3
B. These Thanksgiving foods are good for you, but maybe not so great for your teeth:
- Turkey
- Cranberries
- Both 1 and 2
- None of the above
C. These are ways to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays:
- Drink plenty of water
- Floss
- Brush
- All of the above
Answers:
A. 4: Both yams and pumpkin pie are actually good for your gingival tissue (your gums) because yams contain vitamin A and C, and pumpkin contains vitamin A. However, the down side is that yams are usually candied with brown sugar and marshmallows which can leave leftover sugars on your teeth for long periods of time. Pumpkin pie also requires added sugar, and is often garnished with whipped topping.
B. 3: Cranberries have fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and are low in fat. Cranberry sauce, however, is sweetened with sugar, and sticks to your teeth. Even so, it has several nutrients that help support your overall health. Turkey is packed with protein which is good for you, but its drawback is it can get stuck between your teeth.
C. 4: By drinking plenty of water during your Thanksgiving dinner, you can help wash away sugars and food debris that would otherwise be stuck on your teeth for hours. Flossing after your meal can also help remove food debris from between your teeth, and of course, it is proper oral hygiene to brush twice a day!
