Thanksgiving is a time for comfort food, family traditions, and full plates—but not all the dishes on the table are friendly to your teeth. Sugary sides, sticky desserts, and acidic drinks can cling to enamel and feed harmful bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities during the holiday season. The good news is that you don’t have to give up your favorite flavors to protect your smile.
With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a Thanksgiving feast that’s both delicious and dental-friendly.
Candied yams are a classic holiday favorite, but the heavy dose of marshmallows, brown sugar, and syrup makes them one of the stickiest, most cavity-causing sides on the table. Sticky foods cling to teeth, giving bacteria more time to produce harmful acids.
Instead, try roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drizzle of olive oil. They’re naturally sweet, rich in vitamins, and much easier on your enamel.
Cranberry sauce may be festive, but many canned versions contain high amounts of added sugar. This turns an otherwise healthy fruit into a smile-damaging topping.
A simple swap is to make your own cranberry relish at home. Using fresh cranberries, a natural sweetener, and a splash of citrus can give you a tangy, flavorful sauce without the excess sugar. It’s fresher, brighter, and much kinder to your teeth.
Turkey itself is lean, protein-packed, and great for your oral health. The trouble comes when it’s prepared with sugary glazes or sauces that stick to teeth.
Choosing a traditional roasted turkey or seasoning it with herbs, lemon, and garlic keeps it nutritious and enamel-friendly. Pair it with vegetable sides instead of sugary gravies to create a balanced, smile-safe plate.
Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are holiday staples—but between the crust, fillings, and toppings, they’re packed with sugar. These desserts are also soft and sticky, which means they linger on your teeth longer than you might expect.
A simple alternative is baked fruit, such as cinnamon apples or pears. They provide that warm, comforting flavor without the cavity risk. If you still want a little decadence, try a light sprinkle of granola or a small dollop of whipped cream.
Sweet teas, sodas, mulled wine, and cider are popular during holiday meals, but they’re also highly acidic and sugary. These drinks wear away enamel and feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Opting for water helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth hydrated. If you want something festive, try sparkling water with a slice of citrus or a splash of cranberry juice for color.
Not every Thanksgiving dish is a dental danger! Cheese platters, crunchy vegetables, whole grains, and leafy greens help neutralize acids and strengthen teeth. Adding more of these sides to your plate can balance out the sweeter treats you enjoy throughout the day.
Small swaps add up, helping you enjoy the holiday without sacrificing your oral health.
At Weldon Dental of Rome, patients receive comprehensive preventive care designed to support long-term oral health. Dr. Ryan Weldon and Dr. Leigh Weldon work closely with families to protect and maintain bright, healthy smiles throughout every season.
Call us at (706) 232-2082 or request an appointment online.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
