- Veggies on the Grill- Throw some broccoli, zucchini, onions, bell peppers, or asparagus on the grill. Adding some crunchy vegetables to your BBQ is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy, plus they taste amazing too!

-Dairy Products for the Win- Believe it or not, dairy products are great for your smile! They add extra calcium to your body which helps you grow strong and healthy teeth. Try adding some cheese to your burger, preparing a cheese platter for your family, or adding cottage cheese as a side at your next BBQ.

 -Include Fiber-Rich Fruits- Sweet treats are an essential part of every BBQ. Eating sugar filled foods can contribute to dental cavities and tooth decay. Instead of putting your teeth at risk, try adding some fruits to your food selection such as apples, watermelon, strawberries, and oranges. You can even make an ice cream alternative by freezing bananas and blending them with cocoa powder! These fruits will keep your teeth healthier while taking care of your sweet tooth!

- Hit Up the Water Cooler- Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are always in attendance at a good BBQ! However, many of these drinks can be highly acidic and contain large amounts of sugar which can harm tooth enamel and lead to decay. Therefore, it is important to limit these drinks and keep a cooler stocked with water to stay hydrated and wash out all the harmful bacteria from your teeth! You may also try sugar-free options of your favorite drinks. If you’ve recently had your teeth whitened, stay away from brightly colored drinks like fruit punch to avoid staining your teeth, and opt for a glass of white wine over a glass of red at night!

- Create A Healthy Colorful Parfait- Other sweet indulgences to bypass at your next BBQ are sugary desserts. Try putting together a colorful parfait with your favorite fruits and low-fat yogurt instead. Not only does it taste and look amazing, but it is high in calcium and healthier than other desserts! 

- Switch Out Your Burger Buns- We all know burgers are a must-have at any BBQ! They are delicious and the meat contains phosphorous which is great for your teeth and gums. However, you might want to switch up the white burger buns for whole wheat buns. Whole wheat buns are better for your teeth because they contain complex carbohydrates which slow down bacteria from growing! Plus, they won’t stick to your teeth as white burger buns do!