Food. Fashion. Fun. The trifecta of flavor that makes Labor Day one of the most celebrated days of the year. It's a well-deserved day off from work, and honored as a national holiday since the days of President Grover Cleveland – that's over a century ago! It also begins the all-too-soon wrap up of summer. So before all the fun comes to a screeching halt, let’s be sure this big day of gastronomic enjoyment allows you to stay tooth-healthy and wearin' plenty of white the whole rest of the year!

Thinking about the Food on the Menu

Labor Day is one of those wonderful days were we get to spend time with our families around the picnic table, or barbecue pit, and just have a good time relaxing and eating with friends. A lot of the food on display during this time, while super-tasty, comes with its fair-share of trouble. Ribs anyone?
 
Ah, yes, the sticky-sweet pull of BBQ sauce. For those of you who like your ribs wet, vinegar isn't all you're tasting in that wonderful sauce … the gravity-defying secret ingredient that you love so much is none other than sugar. And lots of it! So, keep the sauces on your grilled items to a minimum, because with any good BBQ, a little truly does go a long way. Or, perhaps you might want to test out some "dry ribs" this year? Uh-oh, have we started a nationwide BBQ battle? Duck!
 
Speaking of duck, or, other types of meat that is … don't forget to mix up the variety a bit. Chicken is good for healthy teeth, and recent research has suggested fish has wonderful benefits as well. Because fish is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty-acids, this property aids in reducing the risk of inflammatory gum disease. And, that's a tip that's good for everyone. To avoid a sweet glaze, a good blackened spice rub will make that fish shine and please the palate beyond words. Of course, vegetables are also fantastic grill-grub, and many people just don't realize how tasty things like asparagus, zucchini, corn, and even squash can be when cooked on the grill. A little salt and pepper goes a long way with these treats, and laying down tin foil can help you from losing all those vibrant vegetables through the grates of the grill.

And for the Fashion Conscious In Your Household?

White after Labor Day? Of course! After all, this fashion faux-pas appears to have originated in the 1800's when upwardly mobile Americans started encroaching on the relaxed "summer style" of wealthier Americans who wore white during the summer months. Thankfully for us, we don't have to worry about that anymore, and you're welcome to wear white whenever you please. In fact, we'd love to see you sporting white every day of the year … *white* teeth, of course! For adults, the simplest way to avoid staining is to limit our intake of wine and coffee: a trick that really does work at keeping one's teeth looking fresh, clean and white before Labor Day, and all year round.
 
Fall arrives September 22nd! Have a rich color-filled season with all your friends and family.