01 Jul

4th of July Barbecue Dental Do’s and Dont’s

As the excitement of a 3-day holiday weekend begins this afternoon, it’s a good idea to take a moment to give yourself a mental dental refresher. We hope you have an amazing holiday spent by the pool with some family, friends and fireworks, but that doesn’t mean your teeth have to suffer! Read a few do’s and dont’s below and contact Lifetime Family Dental to schedule your summer dental appointment.

Don’t use your teeth as a tool

If you’re going to enjoy a beer or tear into a bag of chips as you lounge around the pool–remember your teeth are not a bottle opener or a pair of scissors! Using your teeth in this manner can lead to chipped teeth or worse. Don’t ruin your holiday with a chipped tooth.

Do stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is vital to your overall health, especially in the dead of summer in Arizona. Drinking plenty of water will help stimulate saliva creation and prevent tooth decay. It’s also a good idea to rinse with water after drinking anything that’s carbonated or acidic.

Don’t overindulge on the alcohol

Speaking of beer, alcohol is a huge factor when it comes to dehydration. It can also contribute to the dry mouth that is bad for your oral health. There are also studies that have linked alcohol consumption and gum disease.

Do eat tooth-friendly, healthy food

Avoid too many potato chips or sweets. Firm foods like pears, apples and watermelon are great healthy alternatives that keep you hydrated and help clean your teeth.

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/1/2016) Andrea Yori (Flickr)