*Updated November 2025
Key takeaways:
- Nutritious and tooth-friendly Thanksgiving side dishes are a great companion to traditional meats.
- Many of these Thanksgiving side dishes feature ingredients rich in vitamins like C and calcium, which help strengthen teeth and gums.
Turkey, ham, and hens have long been the stars of the holiday table, but not this year. This Thanksgiving, the sides are taking center stage.
Whether you’re looking for lighter options or just want to mix things up, these healthy Thanksgiving side dishes are ready to steal the show.
Thanksgiving side dishes your guests will love
Although turkey is center stage on Thanksgiving, side dishes deserve equal appreciation, especially when they’re healthier and better for your smile!
This year, add these five Thanksgiving side dishes to your dinner table:
Holiday roasted vegetables
Recipe from: Delish.com
Why it’s great: Roasted vegetables are a perfect complement to any meat served at your Thanksgiving feast.
Ever considered Thanksgiving side dishes packed full of Brussels sprouts and carrots? Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C, which “helps heal wounds and repair and maintain healthy bones, teeth, skin, and cartilage,” according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Carrots also help clean teeth by encouraging the production of saliva, which assists in washing away debris and bacteria on the teeth.
Best of all, this recipe contains no added sugar. So, feel free to indulge!
Butternut squash mac and cheese
Recipe from: Delish.com
Why it’s great: While mac and cheese may not be one of the healthiest Thanksgiving side dishes, the calcium in the milk and cheese used in the recipe is great for your teeth!
According to the American Dental Association, calcium “is essential for forming and maintaining healthy bones and teeth including hydroxyapatite, the primary calcium phosphate mineral in bone and enamel.”
Additionally, butternut squash is full of vitamin C and calcium, making this one of the more delicious and nutrient-rich Thanksgiving side dishes!
Garlic green beans
Recipe from: ThePioneerWoman.com
Why it’s great: Lighten up the traditional green bean casserole with garlic. Green beans are a great source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and folate.
Potassium plays a crucial role in neutralizing acidic compounds in the bloodstream, which, if left unchecked, could result in bone loss. Furthermore, adequate potassium intake has been linked to higher bone density.
By promoting overall bone health, potassium-rich foods can also contribute to the prevention of tooth loss.
Mashed sweet potatoes
Recipe from: ThePioneerWoman.com
Why it’s great: Instead of indulging in the traditional spud recipe, try sweet potatoes as one of your Thanksgiving side dishes instead. Sweet potatoes offer slightly more nutrition than the usual white potato and are full of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and calcium.
Vitamin A supports bone development and growth. In fact, a deficiency in the vitamin has been linked to a higher risk of bone fractures.
Healthier Thanksgiving side dishes are still delicious
The holiday season is full of not-so-healthy food options. Why not switch up some traditional staples with healthier (and still delicious) Thanksgiving side dishes?
For more tooth-friendly food ideas, check out “Tooth-Friendly Treats: Sugar-Free Sugar Cookies”.