New patient, not the greatest dental patient but needing assistance with a 74 year old mouth. From the reception to the hygienist to the Dr. the staff are wholly proficient, patient centered, even humorous. Proper and caring service is the point here.
As we celebrate our nation’s independence this month, Kathleen S. Winn, DMD wants to help you declare independence from dental problems too! The Fourth of July often brings barbecues, sweet treats, and festive drinks that can impact your oral health. Let’s explore some preventive care tips to protect your smile while still enjoying all the holiday fun.
Watch Out for These Holiday Smile Sabotagers
Summer celebrations often include foods and drinks that can harm your teeth. Some common Fourth of July treats to be careful with include:
- Sugary sodas and lemonade – These drinks bathe your teeth in acid and sugar, which can lead to cavities.
- Sticky candies and s’mores – Marshmallows and other sticky sweets can cling to teeth for hours, feeding harmful bacteria.
- Hard candies and ice – Chewing on ice or hard candies can crack or chip teeth, leading to painful dental emergencies.
- Alcohol – Alcoholic drinks can dry out your mouth, reducing the protective benefits of saliva.
Smart Smile Strategies for Your Celebration
You don’t have to skip the fun to protect your teeth. Try these simple tips instead:
Choose tooth-friendly foods
Load your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables. Crunchy foods like carrots and celery act like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away plaque while you eat. Protein-rich foods like grilled chicken or hamburgers (without sugary sauces) are also better choices for your teeth than starchy chips and crackers.
Drink plenty of water
Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria. It also dilutes acids that harm tooth enamel. Try to drink water between sugary beverages, and consider keeping a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.
Use straws for sugary drinks
If you do enjoy soda, lemonade, or other sweet drinks, use a straw. This helps the liquid bypass your teeth, reducing contact with harmful sugars and acids.
Chew sugar-free gum
After eating, pop in a piece of sugar-free gum. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles. Look for gum with xylitol, which can help prevent cavities.
Emergency Dental Tips for the Holiday
Despite our best efforts, dental emergencies can still happen. If you experience one during the holiday, here’s what to do:
For a knocked-out tooth:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root
- Rinse it gently without scrubbing
- Try to place it back in the socket if possible
- If you can’t, keep it in milk or saliva
- Call our office immediately
For a cracked or chipped tooth:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Save any broken pieces
- Contact Dr. Winn as soon as possible
For a toothache:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Gently use dental floss to remove any trapped food
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Call our office if pain persists
Start Your Dental Independence Today
The best way to avoid dental problems is through regular preventive care. Just as our founding fathers had a plan for independence, you need a plan for your dental health:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Visit Dr. Winn for regular exams and cleanings
- Address small problems before they become bigger ones
This July, as you celebrate America’s independence, take steps toward your own dental independence too. Your future self will thank you for the healthy smile you maintain today.
From all of us at the office of Kathleen S. Winn, DMD, have a safe, happy, and tooth-friendly Fourth of July!
Need to schedule your next dental visit? Call our office today at 207-295-0990 for an appointment. You can also make an appointment online if you prefer.