It is that time of year to gobble up all your favorite Thanksgiving foods. Ever wonder what Thanksgiving dish is best for your teeth? Keep reading and find out.

Turkey

Let’s start with the main dish, the turkey. Turkey is packed with protein but can get stuck in your teeth. Make sure you keep a floss pick close by the dinner table.

Yams

Your gums will be very thankful for this delicious dish. Yams are full of Vitamin A and C, which help keep our gums healthy. The added sugar and marshmallows make it almost a dessert. Brush after eating or if your toothbrush is nowhere to be seen, swish with water.

Mashed Potatoes

Now, this potato may be a good source of vitamin C and potassium, but they also contain starch. There is a type of sugar in this starchy dish that cavity-causing bacteria love to feast on.

Green Bean Casserole

This dish might be packed with healthy vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, and onions, but cover those ingredients with a sticky thick sauce and you can find yourself picking out little bits of remaining green beans between your teeth all night long.

Pumpkin Pie

Although this tasty dessert does contain added sugar which we all know is not the best for our teeth, it also contains a small amount of Vitamin A that comes from the pumpkin. Vitamin A helps keep your gums healthy and helps protect your teeth by building enamel.

All of these popular and tasty Thanksgiving dishes have small benefits to your oral health. Remember this Thanksgiving to rinse your mouth with water between bites and to brush and floss after your meal. Your mouth will be thankful that you did.