Among the many benefits of having strong, healthy teeth (or just having teeth at all!), enjoying a wide array of delicious food may be the most significant. Certainly in vibrant Durham, NC!
Durham features an incredible food scene, from award-winning BBQ joints to local farm-to-table favorites. Unfortunately, while we’re busy savoring these iconic favorites, we sometimes push dental health to the back burner. Thankfully, with a few simple habits, you can enjoy all the flavors Durham has to offer and still keep your smile bright and strong!
Choose Your Foods Wisely
Many popular foods and drinks can compromise or stain teeth. When enjoying these items, it pays to be mindful of your dining choices—as difficult as that may seem. At The Original Q Shack, for instance, as you indulge in mouthwatering smoked ribs, try to go easy on BBQ sauce that can cling to enamel and deeply pigmented sides, like collard greens. If this (understandably) is too great a sacrifice, after your meal, have a crunchy, naturally tooth-scrubbing apple for dessert before drinking some water to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth.
Hydrate While You Dine
Water isn’t just essential for your body; it’s great for your teeth. Between bites of the famous biscuits and namesake chicken and waffles at Dame’s, try to avoid sugary or acidic beverages and sip water to rinse away food particles, neutralize bacteria-causing acids, and thwart dental discoloration.
Practice Good Dental Habits After Eating
Enjoying Durham’s diverse cuisine doesn’t mean sacrificing oral hygiene. After dining at local gems like NanaSteak (www.nanasteak.com), make time for some dental care. After you eat, rinse your mouth with water, wait about 30 minutes, then brush with fluoride toothpaste. Also, try to keep floss handy to clean between teeth after indulgent meals.
Balancing smart dental habits with Durham’s best eats will help you keep your smile healthy and bright while savoring every bite our wonderful city has to offer!
Combine Top-Quality Dining and Dental Health in Durham, NC!
If you’re looking for a top-quality dental care team to help you ensure the function and aesthetics of your teeth while you enjoy Durham’s incredible lineup of awesome eats, contact Drs. Katie Dolan, Adam Spriggs, and the excellent team at The Smile Shop to schedule an appointment!