Your diet plays a major role in the health of your teeth and gums. Loading up on starchy, sticky, and sugary foods and beverages doesn’t just wreak havoc on your waistline and blood pressure; it also increases your risk of developing periodontal disease, tooth decay, and painful infections. The good news is that there are several simple actions you can take to minimize damage to your teeth. These tips should come in handy if you stop by any of these upcoming foodie events in and around Queens in July and August 2014, compliments of Astoria, NY dentist Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz.
Hygiene Tips On the Go
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If you’re a student or commuter who often eats on the run, you don’t always have the convenience of running water or using your electric toothbrush afterward. This is where disposable products come in handy. Single-use toothbrushes and plastic floss picks can be stashed in your purse, gym bag, or briefcase and discarded immediately.
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Flossing is preferable to using wooden toothpicks, which can easily gouge your gums, causing more harm than good.
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Sugar-free gum and hard candies, especially those with Xylitol, are useful because they keep your mouth hydrated, tease out food and bacteria from hard-to-reach areas, and impart a burst of fresh breath after your meal.
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If you’ve consumed an acidic substance, such as orange juice or tomato sauce, neutralize acids by drinking milk or rinsing your mouth with plain water.
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Water is always preferable to soda, tea, or sugary juices, but you can minimize contact with your teeth by drinking these liquids through a straw.
The Best Feast in the East
When: Friday, August 1st through Sunday, August 3rd
Where: St. Rocco Church in Glen Cove
Italian food lovers by the thousands flock to the yearly Best Feast in the East, hosted by St. Rocco’s Parish. The free event features homemade Italian meatballs, pasta, and eggplant parmesan along with dozens of traditional dishes and pastries. Families will appreciate the crafts, rides, and live entertainment throughout. Click here for more information, and don’t forget to try the signature sausage and pepper sandwiches.
Smorgasburg
When: Saturdays (Williamsburg) and Sundays (Brooklyn Bridge Park) 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through November
Where: East River State Park in Williamsburg; Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5
Smorgasburg, which has been praised as “the Woodstock of Eating” and a “glutton’s paradise,” features more than 100 vendors selling everything from popsicles and gourmet grilled cheese to artisan pickles and the laudable Ramen Burger. You find more info and a list of vendors here.
Queens County Market
When: Varies
Where: Various locations in Queens
The blink-and-you-miss-it Queens County Market bears mentioning, although dates and locations aren’t generally announced far in advance. The pop-up style market showcases local and independent growers, bakers, restaurant owners, and chefs. Queens County Market also features cooking workshops and complimentary tastings; previous demonstrations include how to butcher your own poultry (yes, really) and how to make pasta from scratch. Check here for upcoming dates and times.
Enjoying your favorite food is hard with missing or sensitive teeth. To learn more about preventive and restorative dentistry, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact us at 718-728-8320. We welcome patients living in Astoria, Queens, NYC, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
