Thanksgiving Food Fight: Turkey Day and Your Oral Health

 

It can be so easy to put your oral health on the backburner during the holidays, especially the foodie ones like Thanksgiving. Out of all the big holidays, this one seems to assemble a full-on assault against your teeth and gums: mashed potatoes (with extra butter!), dressings of various tastes and textures, stuffing and turkey and gravy and bacon-wrapped dates and bacon-soaked green beans, and of course—no matter how you have tweaked your Thanksgiving meal throughout the years, you always have to have—pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, these delicacies can pack a punch on your teeth’s enamel, wear on the tops and insides of your gums, causing some real damage. 

Kind of a buzz-kill, huh? Not really, if you take the time to consciously remember and execute a few key tasks this holiday season. So before you cancel Thanksgiving in the name of oral health take a few minutes to see how you can still enjoy yourself this holiday season. Heck, you can even have that second piece of pumpkin pie—we won’t tell.

 

The Good, the Bad, and the Tasty

Let’s get right to it: which Thanksgiving foods are okay to eat, and which ones should you stay away from? Here is a shortlist of our favorite foods and their effect on your oral health:

• Turkey. Beginning with the star of the show, turkey is mostly good for your oral health. It is packed with protein and doesn’t contain those nasty elements like sugar that do damage to the enamel on your teeth. The only negative side to eating turkey is that it does tend to get stuck in your teeth. An obvious fix is to floss, which should be done directly after eating. As long as you have that floss ready, eat all the turkey you like!

• Cranberry Sauce. Though classic cranberry sauce is mighty tasty, and a wonderful complement to the other traditional Thanksgiving items, it can be rough on your oral health. Since cranberries are tart, sugar or some other sweetener is usually added, which creates a sticky, acidic substance that can stain your teeth, temporarily. But don’t worry, you can still eat it! Try mixing your cranberry sauce with other foods so the sticky substance has less of a chance to stick to your teeth and be sure to rinse with water or mouthwash immediately after eating. This will wash away most of the sugar that made it to your teeth.

• Yams. Since sweet potatoes are filled with Vitamin A and Vitamin C, they help keep your gums healthy. However, candied yams (which contain marshmallows) include a lot of sugar, which likes to stick to and rot your teeth. Our suggestion when eating yams, candied or not, is to have a fresh glass of water right along with it. Every few bites, take a gulp and swish it around a bit (you don’t have to get crazy and start gargling at the dinner table, just a light rinsing of the teeth and gums).

• Green Bean Casserole. The good news is, green beans and mushrooms and onions (the basic ingredients for this meal) are good for your oral health. The not-so-good-news is everything else mixed with these ingredients can be rough on the teeth and gums. There are many different ways to make green bean casserole, but most of them do include some kind of base that turns sticky, and small beans can get stuck between the teeth. Luckily, with a little floss and a glass of water handy, you should be alright.

• Macaroni and Cheese. Mac and cheese is a family favorite—and not just around Thanksgiving. Thankfully, cheese and milk are full of calcium that strengthens teeth. Unfortunately, that gooey goodness that tastes so good can be starchy and leave sugar behind your teeth. For this meal, try to only eat one portion and you need to actually brush your teeth afterward, paying extra attention to the backs of your teeth.

• Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Believe it or not, mashed potatoes are high in Vitamin C, B6, and potassium, all of which contribute to strengthening your teeth. However, on the other side of that healthiness, potatoes are also incredibly starchy. Bacteria that rots your teeth love to form around the sugar that makes up starch. What’s more, soaking those mashed potatoes in gravy diminishes (by a lot) the overall health benefits of the dish. Our advice: say no to gravy (if that grayish goodness is a necessity, have a little but don’t over do it). And once you finish your mashed potatoes be sure to brush those teeth or, at the very least, swish some from water around in your mouth.

• Pumpkin Pie. What is Thanksgiving without the finale—the big show stopper—pumpkin pie? Gotta have it. And, luckily, there is a good side to eating it: pumpkins have Vitamin A, which aids in keeping your gums healthy, and it also helps build the enamel on your teeth. Bad news is, all that sugar that is added (not to mention the sugar included in that dollop of whipped topping) performs the exact opposite effect—it attaches to your teeth and breaks down the enamel, and it also deteriorates the gums. Now, we wouldn’t dare advise anyone to skip that big piece of pumpkin pie, but we do recommend you limit your intake to this day only. And, just as with those other sugary items, be sure to brush, swish water once you are finished.

So what’s the key take away here? Once you finish that big Turkey-Day meal you need to gargle, floss, and brush. And if you find you are hungry again after that long accidental nap on the couch, make sure you repeat the cleansing process all over again.

 

Visiting Your Dentist During the Holidays 

If, by chance, you experience a dental emergency over the holidays, don’t panic. Simply call our office or visit us online to schedule an appointment, as well as, to talk with someone who can help you as much as possible at the moment. In the meantime, use these few important tips to keep your oral health in tip-top shape:

• Begin by brushing correctly. The best way to keep your gums and teeth at their healthiest is to brush in small, circular motions. This will keep the toothbrush bristles from pushing your gums away from your teeth, which causes irritations that can lead to gum disease.

• Floss every day: flossing is incredibly important for your oral health. This keeps food from resting between your teeth, which begins to rot and aid in gum disease. Floss every morning or at night right before bed—and definitely after the Thanksgiving meal. Be sure not to jam the floss down on your gums. Use soft, clean motions, going back and forth. Hit every area between the teeth and rinse with water or mouthwash after.

• Stop using tobacco: this can be a touchy subject, but using tobacco of any form greatly increases the odds of various gum diseases. Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco is much easier said than done, but if you are a user, at least try and reduce how much tobacco comes in contact with your mouth. Your gums and teeth will thank you.

• Watch your diet: sugary drinks and foods, alcoholic beverages, even fatty meats can all have negative effects on your teeth and gums. As indicated earlier, you don’t necessarily have to cut these things out of your diet completely, but if you are the type of person who enjoys these on a regular basis, rather than on big holidays, try and cut back a bit. At the very least, make sure you brush your teeth right after eating or drinking sugary or fatty substances.

Enjoy yourself this holiday season by eating the foods you love. But don’t stop there, be sure and take care of your oral health as well. There is no reason both can’t happen at the same time! Lastly, never hesitate to contact us at South Charlotte Dentistry with any questions or concerns you may have—even if it’s during the holidays.

Keep You and Your Teeth Healthy This Holiday Season

‘Tis the season for festive gatherings, holiday dinners, and office parties. It’s also the season for those sugary snacks so many of us love to include in during these weeks leading up to New Year’s resolutions. From cookie exchanges to candy canes, sugar laden treats lurk in every corner! But consider this warning: if you don’t keep up your oral health routine, Baby New Year may just reward you with a new cavity. We here at South Charlotte Dentistry want to help you keep you and your teeth in good spirits this holiday season!

Know More About What You Eat

Hidden carbohydrates and sugars also are to be discovered in holiday breads and dishes. Rolls, sweet potato pie, cranberry sauce, and fruitcakes all contain sugar. Fruits incorporated into desserts bring on additional sugars, as do those lovely jars of jam wrapped in splendid ribbon that your favorite aunt made just for you!

Sugar is the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, found in many of the foods we eat, especially during the holidays. Carbohydrates are a large group of foodstuffs including sugars and starches. Depending on your health situation, you may be monitoring carbs. For the sake of your teeth, keep an eye the number of carbonated beverages, sugar, and hidden sugars you consume, then keep up (and maybe step up) your dental care routine.

Those with braces or orthodontic work should avoid these foods in order to protect their teeth: popcorn, nuts, hard candy, caramel, pretzels, and peanut brittle.

The good news is, these foods are good for your teeth: whole grains, fruits, lean meats, and vegetables.

Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating (from eatright.org):

The holidays are a time to enjoy friends, family and food. And, contrary to popular belief, you can have all three without putting on the extra pounds!

• On average, Americans gain approximately one to two pounds during the holiday season. While this weight gain isn’t dramatic, research shows it tends to stick and accumulate over the years. Luckily, those pounds can be avoided through mindful eating in moderation and a few simple strategies.
• In preparation for a big holiday party or feast, do not skip meals throughout the day as this may result in overeating. It is especially important to have breakfast, as research shows that those who eat this important morning meal tend to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Include lots of fiber in your diet by eating fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber-rich foods are high in volume and will satisfy hunger but are lower in calories.
• Holiday meals tend to be large, buffet-style and include second and third helpings. While one might not eat an entire cake, a common mistake is eating large portions of foods that are perceived as healthy. It’s important to include nutrient-rich foods in your diet, but also remember that these foods have calories as well and should be eaten in moderation. Using this approach at the holiday dinner table will allow you to maintain a healthful eating plan — one that can also include dessert.
• There are many strategies to help you avoid overeating. Using a smaller plate, for instance, allows you to put less food on your plate and encourages proper portion sizes. Also, start by filling your plate with vegetables and salad before going to the entrees and desserts. Eating a salad before your meal can help you eat fewer calories overall. Eat slowly and savor every bite, and before you go back for seconds wait 10 minutes to see if you really are still hungry.
• Finally, after dinner, get some physical activity. This is a great time to go for a walk and catch up with family members or play catch or a game of basketball with the kids.

Those Yuletide beverages can have a high calorie and sugar count as well. While gin, rum, vodka, and whiskey don’t have added sugar, mixers and fruit can add sugar and calories. Wine contains both fructose and glucose (from fermented grapes) and the holiday favorite, eggnog, can pack a calorie punch with its long list of ingredients including cream, sugar, eggs, and milk. For those wondering about their beer with football, there is no sugar in beer! 

Don’t Forget the Basics!

Like many areas of the body, your mouth is teeming with bacteria — most of them harmless. Normally the body’s natural defenses and good oral health care, such as daily brushing and flossing, can keep these bacteria under control. However, without proper oral hygiene, bacteria can reach levels that might lead to oral infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

It’s important to brush at least twice a day, ideally after every meal, and floss at least once daily. Adding a Waterpik device to your routine and mouthwash provides additional protection against tooth decay. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world’s most common health problems. They’re especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. If cavities aren’t treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay.

So, be sure to brush away that banana bread and floss away that fudge!

But why end there?

Just as Santa Claus comes through in the end, you can save your teeth this holiday season by keeping up (and maybe stepping up) your routine! How is your holiday shopping coming along? Want to think outside the box and into the medicine cabinet? Consider some healthy alternatives as stocking stuffers. Items like toothbrushes, floss, Waterpiks, electric toothbrushes, and even gift certificates for cosmetic dental treatments all make thoughtful gifts. At South Charlotte Dentistry, we have a selection of oral health products and cosmetic services that would be great to give.

For even more glamour, look for a gold-plated toothbrush — yes, Virginia, they do exist! And silver ones and bejeweled ones too. Or maybe a simple gold-plated toothbrush cap is more practical. Do you have an animal lover on your gift list? Take a look at whimsical toothbrush holders. Children might like their favorite superhero on a toothbrush. Both manual and electric models feature characters from “Frozen” and “Star Wars” among others.

A traveler in your family might appreciate a selection of travel toothbrushes and other tiny carry-ons. There are electronic toothbrush UV sanitizers and we’ve even seen a sterling silver “baby’s first toothbrush.” If you want to plan way ahead for the new baby in the family, think about a tooth fairy pillow and keepsake book.

Don’t let the holidays throw off your dental routine or your spirit! Brush, shop, celebrate, repeat!

But Remember… It’s Okay If the Cookie Crumbles

When it comes to caring for yourself, we at South Charlotte Dentistry know that holiday stress can really be a drag. While we tend to focus on your oral health, we want to help ensure that you take care of your whole self. Some may find joy in the lights and sounds of the season, while others may loathe the chaos and expense, struggle with trying to be the “perfect” parent/kid/spouse/friend, and wish they could skip the social gatherings altogether. Depression and anxiety can show up in your oral health routine like neglecting basic dental hygiene, avoiding necessary dental care, dry mouth (perhaps as a result of medication), and dental decay caused by poor nutrition.

Here are a few tips for managing holiday stress from the Mayo Clinic:

• When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
• Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
• Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
• Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
• Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
• Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Instead you might try donating to a charity, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange in which people draw names for an individual or two to give gifts.
• Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
• Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
• Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try having a health snack before parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets. Always get plenty of sleep. And get some physical activity!
• Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. You might take a walk at on a crisp, cool night to look at the stars, listen to soothing music, get a massage, read a book, or take a long shower or bath.
• Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.