Crush, Don’t Cube  Ice may be your best friend on a hot day, but it's no friend to your teeth. That's because chewing on hard foods, such as ice, can leave your teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency such as a broken tooth and can even damage enamel. If you can, put cans and bottles in a huge tub of ice so your guests won’t be tempted to crunch a few cubes when they’re done with their drinks. If you need ice to put in a glass, use crushed Serve Infused Water  Soda and sports drinks are some of the worst drinks for your teeth. They eat away at your teeth, cause dry mouth and are full of sugar. Water, however, is one of the best things you can sip, so serve up a healthy drink with a twist of whatever fruit you’d like. Infused waters are low in sugar and super hydrating. (Just go easy on citrus fruits. The acid in lemons and limes can be harsh on your teeth.) Bonus: Pitchers of infused water will also look beautiful on your table. Keep Gum Handy  Your guests may be lo...

The Trouble with Toothpicks  Serving corn on the cob or pulled pork? Your guests may need something to get food unstuck from their teeth. A toothpick is sharp and can pierce gums, giving bacteria a chance to get in. And no one wants a mouth splinter if it breaks. Instead, leave dental picks in a covered dish in the bathroom, or replace toothpicks on the table with soft, flexible, wooden plaque removers like Stim-U-Dent. Go Seedless  You can also cut down on food getting stuck in your guests’ teeth by serving seedless foods. Opt for hot dog and hamburger buns without sesame and poppy seeds. Use crunchy fruits in your fruit salad instead of raspberries, kiwi and blackberries, and serve seedless watermelon. To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Learn more about the risks to your oral health during pregnancy. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Serve the Right Kind of Crunch Potato chips are standard party fare, but they bring unwanted guests into your mouth. Chewed-up chips often settle in the pits of your teeth, giving cavity-causing bacteria the chance to make a meal from your teeth.  Instead, put apples and pears on your fruit platter, and stock your veggie tray with carrots, celery and raw broccoli. They're like natural toothbrushes, scrubbing off build-up and stimulating saliva to wash away what’s left. Cheese, Please  A slice of cheddar can make a grilled burger so much better. Plus, who doesn’t love a cheese platter? Dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese are low in sugar and rich in calcium and phosphorous, which strengthen and protect enamel. Research also suggests that eating more dairy may lower your chances for developing gum disease. So go ahead and say cheese! To read the entire article visit Mouthhealthy.org Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street W...

Learn more about dental care for people with special needs. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Learn more about Bad Breath, which is also known as Halitosis. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Westshore Dentistry, Inc.    Rajiv Motwani, DMD 4708 26th Street West Bradenton, FL 34207 (941) 758-4543 WestshoreDentistryFL.com

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Brenna Stone Does the thought of mouth germs taking up residence on your teeth make you feel a little uncomfortable? It should! Masses of harmful microorganisms in the mouth can form plaque, the sticky substance that adheres to the teeth and gumline. Plaque can really harm your teeth and gums. When it isn't removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can lead to cavities and gum disease! Find out what you can do to reduce the amount of germs in your mouth. Regular Toothbrushing Toothbrushing is a powerful tool for fighting germs. At the minimum, brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; once after breakfast and once before going to bed. There is no harm in brushing your teeth more frequently. You can brush after meals to cut down on plaque formation and to freshen your breath. Spend a full two minutes gently brushing all surfaces of your teeth and your tongue. Use a toothpaste like Colgate Total...