How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner without Damaging your Oral Health

You don't commonly hear most people state they're thankful for a healthy smile on Thanksgiving, but they should! After all, isn't it your mouth and teeth that are allowing you to enjoy your meal?! 

Here's a few tips on how to enjoy the holidays without damaging your oral health. 

Be conscious while taking your helpings at the dinner table of the food you're about to eat. No, not because you're on a diet -- because a lot of carbs and sugar are bad for your teeth! All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are ultimately converted by bacteria in the mouth into plaque, a sticky residue that is the primary cause of gum disease and cavities. Carb-based foods such as breads and crackers tend to have "a chewy, adhesive texture," making it easier for them to get caught between teeth or under the gum line, where bacteria can then accumulate, says Christine Gerbstadt, MD, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. 

As far as sweets go - you know the deal! Everything in moderation! 

We stumbled upon this recipe for a whole wheat apple pie and boy does it look good! 

As always, brushing and flossing after every meal is ideal to prevent cavities. If you forgot your toothbrush, chew a piece of sugar-free gum! It will reduce the acid level in your mouth.

Dental 2000 wants to leave you on this note......

www.dental2000nj.com

We Made the Bergen Record!

Check out the front page of the business section in the Bergen Record today to see the Candy Buy Back article we're featured in!

For more information about the program CLICK HERE.

North Jersey Halloween candy buy-back helps troops, kids

October 27, 2014    Last updated: Monday, October 27, 2014, 8:15 AM

By KARA YORIO

STAFF WRITER | 

The Record

For more information and to find a participating dentist near you: halloweencandy buyback.com
Already dreading the Halloween candy bounty? Looking for the places to hide it or planning to slowly throw it away over time? No need. You and your children can cut down on the candy and do something good for others at the same time.

Many North Jersey dentists are participating in a candy buy-back program that allows kids to get $1 a pound and also do something nice for U.S. troops.
The candy — along with letters or postcards from the kids — gets sent overseas, along with toothbrushes and other oral care items.

"This is our eighth annual candy buy-back and it's one of my favorite events of the year," said Dr. Larry Kaplan, whose Totowa dental practice collected more than 650 pounds of candy last year.
Kaplan considers it a time for educating kids not only about dental hygiene but also sugar intake — for their teeth and overall health — as well as to show appreciation to the troops.
"I get very emotional about this, because it touches my heart," he said.
Kaplan's office, which has teamed up to get candy from local schools as well as from individuals, will collect the donations 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 8 p.m. next Monday.
Dr. Scott Peters, a Mahwah dentist, has been doing this for six years. He first joined the program when he heard of its connection to the troops.

"It's a great thing," he said. "We love to collect it."

His office will accept candy from next Monday to Nov. 7. Last year they collected more than 100 pounds. He has a few birthday parties that are going to come as a group and will be giving the kids up to $5, as well as a bag with items like a toothbrush, pencil, eraser and stickers.
The project takes up a lot of office time and is an expense to the dentists, but they are happy to make the effort.

"It's worth it to get the candy off the street," said Peters.
Neither Peters nor Kaplan take a hard-line, no-candy-ever stance.
"We're giving a message – enjoy your candy, in moderation, don't deprive yourself, but also make sure you pay attention to good oral health care because that makes a difference in the health care of your teeth and the quality of your life," said Kaplan.
"What are you going to do?" said Peters. "I have to say I'm not a non-candy person. It's do what I say, don't do what I do. I'm one of the worst ones."
Email: yoriok@northjersey.com

- See more at: http://www.northjersey.com/community-news/community-events-and-announcements/north-jersey-halloween-candy-buy-back-helps-troops-kids-1.1118592#sthash.wSx5Gs9g.dpuf

Dental 2000 NJ | General & Cosmetic Dentist

Dental 2000 has restocked their sugar free candy supply. Try our new fruit medley flavors at your next visit!