When you are a guest at a party you obviously can’t control   what foods or drinks your hosts will serve, but you can enjoy   their hospitality while taking precautions to protect your teeth.  

    Here are a few mouth healthy tips for

       those upcoming summer parties.

1. Eat the right kind of crunch.   

Potato chips are the standard party fare, but they bring unwanted guests into your mouth.  Chewed-up chips often settle in the pits of your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria the chance to make a meal from your teeth.

Instead, put apples and pears on your plate, and have some carrots, celery and raw broccoli from the veggie tray.  They’re like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing off build-up and stimulating saliva to wash away what’s left.

2. Cheese, please!

A slice of cheddar can make a grilled burger so much better. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheese platter?  Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are low in sugar and rich in calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen and protect enamel.  Research also suggests that eating more dairy may lower your chances for developing gum disease.  So go ahead and say cheese!

3. Beware of toothpicks.

Will you be having corn on the cob or pulled pork?  You may need to get food unstuck from your teeth.  A toothpick is sharp and can pierce gums, giving bacteria a chance to get in.  And you wouldn’t want a mouth splinter if it breaks.  Instead bring dental picks along with you or a wooden plaques remover like Stim-U-Dent.

4. Go seedless.

Try eating seedless foods. Opt for hot dog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds.  Maybe you can even try some seedless watermelon instead of fruits like raspberries, kiwi and strawberries.

5. Crushed, not cubed.

Ice may be your friend on a hot day, but it’s no friend to your teeth.  That’s because chewing on hard foods, such as ice, can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency such as a broken tooth and can even damage enamel.  If you can, take a drink from cans or bottles that have been chilled in a tub of ice so you won’t be tempted to crunch a few cubes when you’re done with your drink.  If you needs ice to put in a glass choose crushed.

6. Drink infused water.

Soda and sports drinks are some of the worst drinks for your teeth.  They eat away at your teeth, cause dry mouth and are full of sugar.  Water, however, is one of the best things you can sip, so have a healthy drink with a twist of fruit!  Try experimenting with combos of fruits and herbs like watermelon and mint.

7. Keep gum handy.

You may be looking for something to freshen your breath after eating.  Swap out a mint for a piece of sugar-free gum.  Studies using gum with the ADA Seal show that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals may help prevent tooth decay.  Chewing sugar-free gum gets saliva flowing to wash away food and fights acids produced by cavity-causing bacteria from eating away your teeth.

Dr. Lunan is not suggesting that you forgo treating yourself to your favorite summertime snacks, of course.  She is just advising moderation.  Treat yourself but try not to overindulge on a regular basis.  If you practice proper dental hygiene most of the time, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the occasional splurge at parties.  Brush your teeth at least twice per day to keep your teeth clean and healthy.  And be sure to visit us at Dr. Lunan’s office every six months for a professional cleaning and exam to catch any minor issues before they become major problems. 

Call us anytime to schedule an appointment.  (203) 598-7920