As summer parties bring together friends and family, maintaining dental health during these gatherings is crucial. Here are some essential summer dental tips to ensure everyone enjoys a healthy smile throughout the summer festivities. (Source: MouthHealthy, 7 MouthHealthy Tips for Your Summer Soiree, https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/summer-entertaining ).
Serve the Right Kind of Crunch
Swap out potato chips for healthier options like apples, pears, carrots, celery, and raw broccoli. These delicious, fresh fruits and vegetables act as natural toothbrushes, scrubbing away buildup and stimulating saliva production.
Torbram Dental highlights, “In addition to stimulating saliva production and gently scrubbing teeth, crunchy fruits and vegetables also contribute to dental health by strengthening the jaw muscles. The firm texture of these foods requires more vigorous chewing, which exercises and tones the muscles involved in chewing and supporting the jaw. This increased activity helps maintain strong jawbones and can potentially prevent issues related to jaw weakness or atrophy. Moreover, the increased chewing time required for these foods slows down eating, reducing the likelihood of overeating and promoting better digestion, which indirectly benefits overall health, including oral health.”
Cheese, Please
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, are excellent for strengthening teeth due to their high calcium and phosphorous content. Including a cheese platter or adding cheese to burgers can help protect tooth enamel and lower the risk of gum disease.
Torbram Dental mentions, “Opt for unsweetened dairy products to avoid added sugars which contribute to tooth decay. Consider lactose-free options for guests with lactose intolerance. A variety of natural dairy options, such as plain Greek yogurt parfaits, cheese platters, and refreshing milk-based smoothies, can be both delicious and beneficial for dental health.”
The Trouble with Toothpicks
Toothpicks can be harmful, potentially piercing gums and leading to infections. Instead, offer dental picks or soft, flexible plaque removers to help guests clean their teeth safely.
Torbram Dental agrees, “Replacing toothpicks with safer alternatives like dental picks or plaque removers can prevent accidental gum injuries and reduce the risk of introducing bacteria. Ensuring your guests have access to these tools promotes better oral hygiene during and after the party.
In addition, to prevent guests from using toothpicks to select food items, consider offering alternatives like mini skewers, cocktail forks, soft bamboo picks, tasting spoons, or mini tongs. These options not only serve the same purpose but also add a dash of elegance and functionality to your party. By providing these alternatives, you can take toothpicks out of the equation and enhance the overall dining experience for your guests.”
Go Seedless
Avoid seeds that can get stuck in your teeth by choosing seedless buns and fruits. Opt for seedless watermelon and other fruits that are less likely to cause discomfort or dental issues.
Torbram Dental comments, “Trust us, your guests will thank you! Serving seedless foods is a simple yet effective way to prevent food from getting lodged between teeth, which can lead to irritation and potential decay. As mentioned, seedless fruits and buns are excellent choices for a tooth-friendly menu.”
Crush, Don’t Cube
Encourage the use of crushed ice instead of cubes to prevent guests from chewing on hard ice, which can damage teeth and enamel.
Torbram Dental says, “Crushed ice is a safer alternative to ice cubes, reducing the risk of dental emergencies like cracked or broken teeth. This small adjustment can help protect your guests’ teeth while keeping their drinks cool.”
Serve Infused Water
Instead of sugary sodas and sports drinks, offer infused water with fruits. This refreshing option is low in sugar and hydrating, though it’s best to use less acidic fruits to protect enamel.
Torbram Dental shares, “Infused water is a fantastic substitute for sugary beverages, providing hydration and flavor without the risk of tooth decay. Using fruits like berries, cucumber, and mint can create delicious combinations that are gentle on your teeth.”
Keep Gum Handy
Provide sugar-free gum for guests to freshen their breath after meals. Chewing sugarless gum is fantastic for stimulating saliva production, which helps prevent tooth decay.
Torbram Dental comments, “Sugar-free gum is an excellent way to maintain oral health after meals. It increases saliva flow, which helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acids. Make sure to have a variety of flavours for your guests.”
By following these tips, you can host a summer party that not only delights your guests but also promotes their dental health. Enjoy the festivities with the assurance that you’re helping everyone maintain a bright, healthy smile.
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Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."
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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.
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