Thanksgiving Leftovers That Are Great For Your Smile

Happy Thanksgiving from your Tampa, Fl orthodontist! This is a great time to be grateful for all of the loved ones around you. We are especially grateful for the nutrients that Thanksgiving dinner provides. It may not seem very healthy, but when consumed as a normal human serving size, these Thanksgiving dishes are actually a great source of vitamins and minerals that support good oral and bodily health. These are some of the Thanksgiving leftovers that are great for your smile:

Cranberries

Cranberries may be the healthiest dish in your Thanksgiving feast! Be cautious to over-indulge if they’ve got a ton of added sugar (or just remember to drink water and brush your teeth after you eat to remove the stickiness that can cause cavities or get caught between wires). Regardless, they are a great source of Vitamin C, fiber, and manganese. Vitamin C is essential for your body’s immune system, and also helps you repair any soft tissue in your mouth. Fiber assists you with healthy digestion. Manganese is great for strong bones and teeth. 

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Melted marshmallows and butter often cover sweet potato dishes for a sweet candy crust. Underneath all that, sweet potatoes or yams are a great source of Vitamin A. Between the other leftovers and sweet potatoes, your Vitamin A is covered. Your digestion will benefit, as will lowering your risk of periodontal disease. Remember to brush your teeth after sweet dishes like this to remove unwanted food particles from your brackets!

Green Beans

We bet you didn’t realize that green beans are actually a fruit! They are also a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. Potassium, Manganese, Vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex are all hiding in these fruits known as veggies. Starting with the saliva production that benefits from Vitamin A, your digestion is assisted when the food particles are cleared from your mouth and sent through your body. Not only does this ensure you absorb the nutrients in your food but prevents tooth decay as well. B-complex vitamins are a clean energy source that will boost your mood without the added caffeine or acidity of coffee, that could discolor or erode your teeth. 

Turkey

What’s a Thanksgiving feast without turkey? The host will likely be grateful to share the turkey leftovers with guests, as it’s such a large dish that there’s enough for everyone. While overeating at the dinner table may cause a food coma feeling after the tryptophan is absorbed and turned into melatonin, serotonin, and B6, a serving-size portion is pretty healthy. Not only is the protein source much leaner than other proteins, which will keep you fuller for longer without adding fat, but the other minerals will boost your mood naturally and support your red blood cells.

Thanksgiving is an excuse to feel grateful and to eat to your heart’s desire. Your Tampa, FL orthodontist challenges you to feel grateful long after your leftovers are done. Share your smile with everyone! If you appreciate Thanksgiving leftovers that are great for your smile, check out our Facebook page. Often post nutrition tips there too! We are grateful for you and would be extra grateful if you liked our Facebook page.