Most of us consider July 4, 1776, as the day the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America. But, did you know? The Continental Congress didn’t declare independence on July 4. They did it on July 2.
The Continental Congress approved the final wording of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. That’s after working on the draft for several days before finally reaching an agreement on all edits and modifications.
And so, July 4, 1776, was the date added to the Declaration of Independence, its handwritten copy that was signed in August, and the Dunlap Broadsides, the original printed copies of the Declaration circulated throughout the new country. And so, it became the date many remember and associate with the Declaration of Independence.
It was not until a hundred years later that Congress declared July 4 as a national holiday in a bill that officially recognized many holidays, including Christmas.
Now we celebrate it with fireworks and feasting. It’s also easy to participate in many not-so-tooth-friendly activities. Here are some 4th of July dental safety tips to keep your smile healthy while celebrating our independence.
4th of July Dental Safety Tips
Aside from essential dental habits like brushing and flossing even on holiday, here are other healthy teeth tips to remember:
Don’t use teeth as tools.
Using teeth to open bottles and packages is common. It’s also a common reason people go for a post-4th of July dental visit; it makes up a considerable percentage of barbecue-related dental accidents.
Do not, under any circumstances, use your teeth as an opening tool. Otherwise, you might fracture or chip your tooth. You might also break a tooth, which can hurt you and your wallet. Worse, you might end up at an emergency dentist.
Avoid roughhousing.
Pool parties are popular in summer, especially on the Fourth of July, because of the extreme heat in some areas. While a day at the pool is fun, it’s best to follow pool rules to avoid accidents that might result in thousands of dollars worth of teeth repairs.
Another 4th of July dental safety tip: always wear safety equipment like helmets and mouthpieces if sports are involved in your celebrations. They will keep your teeth and head protected from any harm.
Be careful in using fireworks. Do not light firecrackers near your face, and follow basic safety rules. Light your firework, then quickly move several feet away to admire them. Otherwise, you might end up on a hospital gurney.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks.
Independence day is not complete without sweets. Refined sugars are known for causing tooth decay and increasing waistlines. Eating them in large quantities gives bacteria that cause cavities something to feast on and produce acids that eat away at your teeth’s enamel. They also mix with saliva to form plaque, a sticky film that can coat your teeth and eventually lead to cavities.
Sodas pops and hard candies are no exception.
Watch what you eat.
Pastries are not the only sugary foods to avoid at a Fourth of July barbecue; sweet barbecue sauces are also full of sugar. Use brown sugar or honey for your barbecue sauce instead. Watch out for bones in your barbecue; accidentally biting on them might chip your mouth or damage your teeth.
Avoid hard and crunchy foods.
Who could resist pretzels, nuts, and ice on a warm Fourth of July? Unfortunately, eating these extremely crunchy foods can crack, chip, break a tooth or cause a filling to come off.
It’s best to avoid eating them to avoid a toothache during the holiday. Avoid chewing on ice and dip pretzels in water to soften them a bit before eating them.
Drink lots of water.
Fourth of July celebrations often mean more time spent outdoors. Drinking water is one of the best ways to beat the heat and keep your teeth safe from cavities. Water helps remove food particles stuck to your teeth and prevents acid buildup from bacteria that cause cavities.
Soda and beer are popular Fourth of July drinks. Drink water between sips to keep your mouth’s pH normal. It also helps you avoid a hangover as a bonus.
Protect your braces.
Protect your braces at all costs if you have them. Braces are strong orthodontic appliances, but simple accidents like biting an apple or something too hard can damage them. Aside from avoiding hard foods, you can maintain their structural integrity by brushing your teeth after meals and flossing to remove food particles between your teeth and braces. You should also wear a mouth guard and helmet if you’re going to participate in sports or any physical activity.
Eat healthy food choices.
Resist the urge to snack on chips and other salty snacks. Choosing to eat healthy and tooth-friendly foods no matter the occasion is important in maintaining your oral health and keeping unwanted calories away. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and consume calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, celery, onions, and other teeth-friendly foods during any celebration. Unlike most sweets full of refined sugars, seasonal fruits and natural juices can satisfy your sweet tooth without harming your teeth.
Starchy foods like crackers, pretzels, and chips also cause tooth decay. They might not taste sweet, but bacteria and saliva can break them down and turn them into sugars that promote tooth decay.
Chew sugarless gum.
Independence Day festivities are like any other holiday, and snacking all day long is common. Sugarless gum can help clean your teeth and stimulate saliva production that flushes bacteria that causes cavities.
Happy 4th of July from us at Advanced Dental Group!
Remember these healthy teeth tips and set an appointment with a dentist after the celebrations to keep your teeth safe and healthy all year round. Our affiliate dentists in Clearwater, FL, are always ready to provide the best restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures that suit your needs. Give us a call, and we’ll connect them to you as soon as possible.
