According to the Calorie Control Council, the average American consumes 4,500 calories eating a typical Thanksgiving meal. This includes snacks and appetizers, desserts, and beverages. That almost doubles the average daily caloric intake on a non-holiday, and that doesn’t even account for another meal earlier in the day. There’s no doubt that holidays and gluttony tend to go hand-in-hand in the Western world. But the specific food and eating habits can cause more than extra numbers on the scale or tighter waistbands. Specific holiday eating choices can also compromise healthy teeth and gums. Fortunately, there are a few simple but effective tips for maintaining a smile worthy Thanksgiving.
Schedule a Pre-Holiday Dental Exam
Over half of Americans have some form of gum disease and many have no clue. That number rises to over 70% for Americans over the age of 65. Gum disease progresses quickly and can become difficult, if not impossible, to reverse in advanced stages. Moreover, advanced periodontal disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and other systematic diseases. Fortunately, early stages are easily caught, controlled, and reversed. Of course, holiday binging and excess can acerbate the problem. Schedule pre-holiday exams with your Midtown Manhattan dentist for your entire household to catch and contain and dental issues prior to diving into the holiday feasts.
Properly Load Your Thanksgiving Plate
Chances are there will be loads of food options to choose from, but not all are created equal or even safe for your teeth. Protein, calcium, and vitamins A, B6, and C are all great for your teeth and gums. Those vitamins and macros are found in Thanksgiving staples like turkey and vegetables–especially carrots, snap peas, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. But limit the marshmallow or syrupy toppings, soft bread, and mashed potatoes since they can attract bacteria and decay like candy.
Avoid Or At Least Limit Sugary Sides
Holidays are wrought with delicious pastries, gooey confections, and sticky pies, not to mention loads of sugary sodas, “fruit” juices, and alcoholic beverages that can be considered a desert on their own. Apple and pumpkin pies are the top go-to deserts. But fudge can do an instant number on teeth since it’s almost pure sugar and sticky to boot. That sugar hides between cracks and crevices where bacteria live and breed. Pecan pie can be just as bad if not worse. But the real culprit is cranberry sauce. The combined sugar and acid of canned or heavily sweetened cranberry sauce can eat away enamel and cause dental caries quickly. Fresh cranberries, however, can actually fight bacteria. So if you can make or obtain cranberry sauce with significantly less sugar, you can still safely enjoy a small serving without compromising healthy teeth and gums.
Keep a Toothbrush(es) on Hand
Over 50 million Americans travel at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving visits. Excessive food options lead to overindulgence, and most people don’t think about their oral health on festive days… until it’s too late. Packing a toothbrush, and an extra one for everyone on the trip for that matter can cut down on potential problems from wrong food choices. While brushing twice a day and flossing once is usually enough for basic daily care that should be increased on holidays. Brush 15-30 minutes after each meal or snack break. And floss three times to keep decay at bay. Also be sure to drink plenty of water to thoroughly rinse the mouth. Your healthy teeth and gums will thank you.