Memorial Day weekend is here, which means lots of barbecues and food! While Memorial Day commences the start of summer, we can’t neglect our oral health. Here are some tips to keeping your smile in prime condition during your festivities.
If you have any other oral health concerns, reach out to us. Colorado Smile Design is here to help you have the best smile possible!
Keep a healthy mouth this Memorial Day weekend Memorial Day is the first official day of summer for many Americans. We break out the grills, open up pools and prepare for the next three months of outdoor activities and warm weather. To ring in this exciting time of the year, millions of Americans are going to be hitting the road and sleeping under the stars. Whether you’re camping in a tent or bunking in a cabin, make sure you’re not neglecting your oral health this holiday weekend. Be equipped with handy tips and helpful hints to keep your breath fresh and teeth clean while enjoying this fun summer kick-off.
Starchy produce – Have you ever heard that if you need to clean your teeth but don’t have access to a toothbrush and toothpaste that you should eat an apple? It’s actually true. Apples, as well as carrots and celery, are a great healthy aid for getting rid of dental plaque on your teeth. The starchiness of these fruits and vegetables work in a slightly abrasive manner to clean the teeth when you’re in a dire situation. While this shouldn’t replace your regular brushing and flossing, it can keep teeth clean when you’re out in the wilderness, boating and the like.
Keep it healthy – When you’re camping, dieting rules seem to go out the window. You munch on hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and cookies, but this could quickly lead to bad breath. Grilled food is often greasy and unhealthy – but, it sure is tasty! Additionally, sugar-filled treats like cookies, cupcakes or brownies can cause just as much damage. These sweet goodies “feed” the anaerobic bacteria in the mouth, causing bad breath and other oral health issues. While you don’t have to maintain a strict diet when you’re on vacation this Memorial Day weekend, make sure to balance out the bad foods with some good ones. For example, try to include a side salad with each meal, and have fresh watermelon, strawberries and pineapple out for those with a sweet tooth.
Water – During your holiday weekend, you might be tempted sip on seasonal cocktails or drink a crisp, refreshing beer to get you through the festivities, but it’s important to remember to drink water with alcoholic beverages. Not only will water keep you from getting dehydrated and having a hangover – which can definitely put a damper on the entire weekend, it can help to keep bad breath at bay. When you are experiencing dry mouth – possibly due to dehydration – the bacteria in your mouth just sit at the back of the tongue. This is the perfect setting for bad breath to creep in. If you continue to drink water throughout the day, you’ll be washing away bacteria to help maintain a fresh mouth.
Sugar-free gum – You may be out on the boat or hiking through the wilderness, but that isn’t an excuse for bad breath. Chew on a stick of sugar-free gum, like TheraBreath Fresh Breath Chewing Gum, and you won’t have to worry about stinking up the great outdoors. Gum is a great solution for anyone suffering from dry mouth because it helps stimulate saliva flow that rinses away bacteria. At the same time, the formula works to freshen your breath no matter where you may be.
Just because it is a holiday weekend doesn’t mean that you have to take a holiday from your oral health habits. In addition to brushing and flossing as much as you can, try to follow these helpful healthy mouth guidelines while you’re kicking off the summer to maintain a healthy mouth.