A Memorial Day Thank You — And Your Summer Dental Checklist

This Memorial Day weekend, before the flags go up and the grills come out across Raymond, Epping, Candia, and the Rockingham County communities we are proud to serve, we want to pause and say something important: thank you. To every veteran and active-duty service member who has put on a uniform in defense of this country, and to every Gold Star family who has carried the weight of that sacrifice — we are deeply grateful. From everyone at Lamprey Dental , we honor your service, your bravery, and your memory, not just today but every day.

As we welcome the start of summer here in the Raymond area, we also want to share a practical summer dental checklist to help your family keep smiling strong all the way through to Labor Day. From BBQ season tips to summer drink habits and kids' snacking — here's what to know.

BBQ Season and Your Dental Health

Memorial Day officially kicks off cookout season, and with it comes a spread of foods that are both delicious and somewhat challenging for your teeth. Sticky BBQ sauce, corn on the cob, vinegary pasta salad, baked beans, and sweet condiments all create conditions that bacteria love — high sugar, lingering residue, and acidic environments where plaque builds quickly. This doesn't mean you need to skip the cookout, but a little awareness goes a long way.

Sticky foods like BBQ sauce and sweet coleslaw cling to the grooves and spaces between teeth long after the meal is over. Corn on the cob puts significant force on front teeth when bitten directly, which can chip enamel or dislodge dental restorations. Hard rolls and ice are similarly risky. The good news: every cookout also offers plenty of tooth-friendly options. Grilled chicken, cheese, raw veggies, and water-rich fruits like watermelon are all great for your smile. Load up on those, rinse with water throughout the meal, and brush and floss before bed.

Summer Drinks and Enamel Erosion

One of the most overlooked dental health factors every summer is what you're drinking. Lemonade, iced tea, sports drinks, hard seltzers, and soda are everywhere at summer gatherings — and most are either highly acidic, high in sugar, or both. Repeated acid exposure gradually erodes the protective enamel on your teeth, and unlike other tissues in your body, enamel cannot regenerate once it's lost.

Sports drinks marketed as healthy hydration options around Raymond and the surrounding towns frequently contain as much sugar as a candy bar. Soda combines high sugar and high acidity in every sip. Diet sodas remove the sugar but retain the acidity. The cumulative effect of a summer's worth of these beverages adds up significantly. Plain water — especially if fluoridated — is always the best choice for your teeth. Use a straw for acidic drinks, rinse with water between servings, and wait at least 30 minutes after consuming something acidic before brushing, as softened enamel is more vulnerable to abrasion right afterward.

Kids Home, Snacks Everywhere

Memorial Day signals that school is almost out and a long summer of unstructured snacking is about to begin. When children are home all day without the rhythm of a school schedule, they graze constantly — juice pouches, popsicles, fruit snacks, granola bars, and chips become an all-day backdrop. The problem isn't just the total sugar consumed, but the frequency of exposure. Each snacking episode introduces new acid to the mouth, and without recovery time between exposures, developing teeth remain in a near-constant acid environment.

Setting structured snack times and making water the default between meals goes a long way toward protecting your kids' teeth this summer. And if your children are due for their six-month dental cleaning, summer is one of the easiest times to get it done — school is out, schedules are more flexible, and there's no homework pressure looming over the appointment.

Your Summer Dental Checklist

• Schedule your cleaning now: Early summer appointment slots in the Raymond area fill up quickly. Call now to lock in your preferred time before the busy season takes hold.
• Pack dental supplies for travel: Whether you're heading to Hampton Beach or camping in the White Mountains, keep a travel toothbrush, floss, and toothpaste in your bag.
• Mouthguards for summer sports: Kids playing summer baseball, soccer, or lacrosse need protection. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers far better coverage than store-bought options.
• Choose water over sugary drinks: Make plain water your go-to drink throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities in the summer heat in Rockingham County.
• Floss every night: BBQ season is notorious for leaving food lodged between teeth. Don't skip the floss — especially after big summer meals.
• Don't ignore tooth sensitivity: Cold drinks and sweet summer foods can aggravate existing sensitivity. If you notice sharp discomfort when eating or drinking, mention it at your next appointment.

Lamprey Dental — Raymond, NH

From all of us at Lamprey Dental, we wish every family in Raymond, Epping, Candia, Deerfield, Nottingham, Fremont, Chester, and the surrounding communities a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend. May it be a wonderful start to a great New Hampshire summer.

Ready to book your summer dental appointment? We're here for you. Contact Lamprey Dental today to schedule your cleaning or checkup. Call us at (603) 895-3161 or visit us at 37 Epping St, Raymond, NH 03077. We look forward to seeing your family this summer.