Tips for a Tooth-Friendly BBQ

Summer is in full swing which means long days, trips to the beach, and, of course, busting out the BBQ!  It is always a treat to be outside celebrating the season with family and friends, and if you’re like us, you like to look for ways to make your outdoor meals both delicious and healthy.  However, perhaps you haven’t always thought about the ways you can make your gathering tooth-friendly, too…well, we’ve got you covered! Since it’s July, a quintessential BBQ month, we decided to share some of our tips for keeping your mouth healthy while you enjoy this beautiful season in Maine.

Kick Things Off with a (Healthy) Crunch!

At many BBQs, the crunch usually comes in the form of a potato chip.  These starchy snacks can be just as bad for your teeth as sugary sweets as they tend to stick in your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria a chance to go to work.  Include a healthy crunch at your next meal by putting out a platter of fresh fruits and veggies. Having apples, carrots, and celery to munch on is not only healthy for your body, but it’s great for your mouth, too.  Those crisp fruits and veggies will help stimulate saliva and keep your teeth clean…kind of like brushing your teeth!  

Say Cheese…Please!

Whether it’s enjoying a cheeseburger, a zesty yogurt dip for your veggies, or putting together an epic cheese platter, incorporating dairy into your next summer soiree is a smart choice.  Dairy products are rich in tooth-strengthening calcium and phosphorous, and there is research that suggests that eating more dairy may lower your risk for developing gum disease.  

Skip the Soda

We all know how unhealthy soda is, but on a hot summer day a cold drink really hits the spot.  Here’s a fun way to avoid the empty calories and cavities at your next gathering: serve water infused with your favorite fruits.  Think cucumber and mint, or strawberry and lemon…the possibilities are endless! Infused water is low in sugar, looks pin-worthy, and is oh, so refreshing.  So, hydrate smart and in style this summer!

Ketchup with the Sugar Content of Condiments

Did you know that ketchup is 25% sugar and a typical BBQ sauce can have 5 grams of sugar and 22 grams of carbohydrates in one teaspoon!  By adding so many sugary sauces to your BBQ plate, you can easily reach your recommended intake of sugar for the day before you even think about dessert!  Limit the unnecessary sugar in your next BBQ where you can by providing sliced tomatoes, onions and pickles for flavor enhancement. If you’re feeling bold, you can make your own ketchup without so much sugar.  Your teeth will thank you.

 

We hope you are enjoying these amazing Maine summer days and that these tips help keep your teeth in good shape while you indulge in the treats of the season.  Let us know if you have any favorite infused water recipes, and, please call us with any questions or concerns at 207.781.5900. We are here to help you have a smile that is healthy and happy!

 

*Image courtesy of www.familycorner.blogspot.com

Ice Cream Alternatives Your Teeth Will Love

When sweet summertime strikes, what’s better than a cool, refreshing ice cream cone beneath the hot and humid sun? Neighborhood ice cream shops are open and bustling with business. While you’re likely craving a delicious sundae, consider your oral health. Classic ice cream is full of sugars and loaded with fat. While this is fine in moderation, these sugars are not part of a healthy cavity-prevention plan. Luckily, there are icy alternatives to ice cream that are equally as delicious, with an added bonus of being safe for your teeth and gums. Plus, these recipes are great for anyone who is sensitive to lactose and gluten ingredients. These frozen treats include:

 

Banana “Ice Cream”

Banana ice cream is one of the easiest homemade recipes you could make. The only ingredients are a few ripe bananas. Yes, that’s all!

  • Recipe:
    • Peel and cut up two or three bananas.
    • Freeze the bananas for one or two hours.
    • Place the frozen bananas into a blender and blend until creamy.
    • Scoop the blended frozen bananas into a bowl and serve.

Tip: Add healthy toppings, such as peanut butter, fruit, or dark chocolate.

 

Sorbet

What is so fantastic and healthy about sorbet? It’s made with fresh fruit and juice concentrate. Choosing a sorbet recipe with high-water content is even better! Some examples include pear or apple sorbets, as these fruits contain a lot of water. Water is not only healthy for your diet, but also vital for proper oral care.

Tip: Sorbets contain sugars from the fresh fruit and juice, so remember to brush!

 

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt is an excellent alternative to rich and sugary ice cream. Much like sorbet, frozen yogurt uses fruit and juice, but what’s added is the yogurt component. Yogurt can transform an icy smoothie into a thicker, creamier consistency. Try this strawberry frozen yogurt recipe at home to satisfy your treat cravings this summer. Your teeth will thank you!

  • Ingredients
    • A 16 oz. pack of strawberries
    • ½ cup sugar-free sweetener
    • ½ cup plain yogurt (nonfat is ideal)
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Directions
    • Combine the strawberries with the sweetener in a food processor.
    • Pulse until the ingredients are chopped up.
    • Add the yogurt and lemon juice into the mix.
    • Process the mixture until the consistency is smooth.
    • Scoop and serve.

 

Greek Frozen Yogurt

As stated, frozen yogurt is a fantastic summer treat, but what’s even better is Greek frozen yogurt. Greek yogurt is loaded with healthy probiotics and protein, which some studies indicate may boost dental health in children. Additionally, Greek frozen yogurt is thick and creamy, which makes it a close substitute to authentic ice cream.

Desserts with Benefits has a very easy homemade Vanilla Bean Greek Frozen Yogurt recipe worth testing out. The recipe uses whole ingredients without any refined sugars, corn syrup, or heavy cream. It’s a great choice for your oral health and diet!

 

Beat the heat with these guilt-free refreshing treats this summer. For any questions or concerns about ideal food choices for your oral health, please contact our office. Here at Falmouth Dental Arts, we want you to make sure your teeth are happy and healthy! Call us at (207) 781-5900 for more information.

Don’t let sensitive teeth get in the way of your summer fun!

Do your sensitive teeth dread the frozen treats of summer? You are not alone. A recent survey of US dental offices found that one in eight people has over-sensitive teeth.

You may feel pain when you brush and floss or when you eat and drink cold items.

Sensitivity usually comes from receding gums or when the enamel of your teeth is worn away. Brushing too hard, teeth grinding, acidic foods and age could also cause this sensitivity.

The good news is that you can take steps to prevent or lessen the pain:

  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth that contains potassium and brush with a soft bristled toothbrush
  • Stay away from highly acidic foods
  • Your dentist might offer a special fluoride to help strengthen enamel
  • A gum graft can help reduce a sensitive area by adding tissue where there is recession
  • Bondings or crowns may be needed to cover exposed roots
  • For more serious cases, a root canal may be in order to repair damage

Of course, general good dental hygiene on a daily basis and regular cleanings can also go a long way!

If you have any questions or concerns about sensitive teeth, we are happy to talk to you about the prevention and treatment options that would work best for you.

Now that you know how to lessen the pain of sensitive teeth, here’s a quick recipe for a yummy frozen smoothie…

 

Mixed Berry Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
  • 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Directions

In a blender combine yogurt, pomegranate juice, berries, banana, honey and lime juice. Cover and blend until nearly smooth.

Nutrition facts

Servings Per Recipe 2, cal. (kcal) 203, Fat, total (g) 2, chol. (mg) 7, sat. fat (g) 1, carb. (g) 39, fiber (g) 3, sugar (g) 24, pro. (g) 10, vit. A (RE) 5, vit. C (mg) 13, sodium (mg) 44, calcium (mg) 11, iron (mg) 6, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

 

Recipe source: http://www.bhg.com/recipe/mixed-berry-smoothie/

Other sources:

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth.aspx

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tooth-sensitivity

http://news.health.com/2013/03/01/1-in-8-adults-may-have-sensitive-teeth/