How To Have a Tooth-Friendly BBQ
BBQ season has arrived! Spending quality time with family and friends outdoors around a grill, a fire pit, and enjoying lawn games is something many of us Northeasterners really start to embrace this time of year. In addition to a change in atmosphere, we also tend to crave certain foods and beverages once the nice weather hits. Here are some helpful tips on how you can host, or attend, a tooth-friendly barbecue:
Veggies are a tooth-friendly BBQ guest!
Add some veggies to your grill spread in addition to hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages and all other desired meat products. Grilled vegetables add a nice crunch, and are healthy and delicious, too! Vitamins and minerals found in both meats and veggies can positively impact our oral health.
Who doesn’t love a cheese platter?
…well, maybe those who partake in a vegan lifestyle, but there are delicious vegan cheese options, too! Make sure to add some extra calcium into your diet with a cheese platter. Calcium is your friend. It is a tooth-friendly mineral that helps to build and strengthen our bones, while also providing structural support and protecting our tooth enamel.
Bring a tooth-friendly dessert!
One healthier dessert option might be a treat like a red, white & blue parfait. Instead of indulging in sweets or other foods and beverages that can damage your teeth, consider putting together a tri-colored dessert composed of your favorite fruits. Think: raspberries, strawberries, watermelon, blueberries and separating these delicious layers with yogurt. This type of dessert is not only tooth-friendly, but also healthy and high in calcium.
Drink plenty of water – hydration is key!
It’s important to remain mindful of your water intake and to stay hydrated, especially if you’re going to be indulging in sweet treats and sugary beverages, like soda or alcoholic libations. Water will also help wash away harmful bacteria and keep your teeth clean after indulging in any BBQ foods.
If you have any other tooth-friendly barbecue tips to share, we’d love to hear them! Have questions about anything dental-related? Reach out and contact us – we’re happy to help!
