Avoid Dessert Downfall: 4 Healthier Choices This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is here and if you’re like many others, you’ve been waiting for this day to enjoy your favorite fall treats. After all, nothing says autumn like a warm slice of apple pie or extra whipped cream in your pumpkin spice latte. That said, sugar is known to attract harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. If you don’t treat the damage right away, you could end up with a cavity or worse.

If you’re eager to make the most of your post-feast desserts but want to avoid an emergency dental visit, you’re in luck! We’ve put together this list of 4 desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth without damaging it this holiday season. Keep reading to learn more!

Dessert #1: Dark Chocolate

Hard or chewy candies are often not recommended by dentists because they take longer to dissolve in your mouth. That means not only are your pearly whites exposed to more sugar, but they can also be damaged if you attempt to chew them. Instead, choose chocolate that melts quickly in your mouth and won’t tug out a filling when you bite into it. Dark chocolate doesn’t contain as many unhealthy ingredients as milk chocolate and has plenty of antioxidants as a bonus.

Dessert #2: Rice Pudding

Perhaps you typically follow up your turkey with a large bowl of ice cream complete with toppings. Though incredibly tasty, all this can be bad for your teeth as well as your waistline! Opt for rice pudding, instead. It has fewer calories and much less sugar content so it’s better for your overall wellbeing. You can try sprinkling it with cinnamon for some added festive flavor.

Dessert #3: Charcuterie Cheese

Did you know that cheese can strengthen your teeth? The calcium content reinforces the protective enamel against erosion. It’s important to build up your defenses, especially if you’ve already enjoyed some highly acidic foods and beverages. By swapping something sweet for a savory specialty cheese, you’re doing your mouth a favor.

Dessert #4: Gingerbread

If you’re determined to have holiday cookies this year, choose gingerbread over some of the other alternatives. It tends to be made with less sugar than other sweet confections. Ginger is also known to aid in digestion. If you’re feeling too stuffed from dinner, reach for a gingerbread man afterward. It can ease your stomachache and please your tastebuds all at the same time!

There are plenty of options to enjoy after your big meal this year so sugary sweets don’t hinder your holiday health!

About the Practice

At Dental Expressions, our skilled dentists have over 20 years of combined experience providing a full range of dental services to patients of all ages. We use state-of-the-art technology so that you get beautiful, reliable results every time. We’re able to find cavities and weak spots in your teeth long before more traditional probing methods would be able to. If you’d like to make an appointment, feel free to contact us on the website or by calling (920) 788-6280.