Happy Fourth of July!

Meridian Dental Clinic

Happy Independence Day from Dr. Mark Walker, Dr. Steven Inaba, Dr. Josh Walker and team! The Fourth of July celebrations in America may have changed a lot over the years, but there is no doubt that we Americans love to celebrate the anniversary of our country's independence! Today we're devoting the Meridian Dental Clinic blog to some fun facts about the Fourth!

  • My, how we have grown! This year the United States Census Bureau estimates that our country has 313.9 million residents celebrating the Fourth of July this year, but back in 1776 there were just 2.5 million members of the country.
  • Our country loves to show how proud that we are of our independence. Did you know that there are 31 United States places with the word “Liberty” in their names? The state of Iowa actually has four towns with the word Liberty in the name: Libertyville, New Liberty, North Liberty, and West Liberty.
  • The United States loves Fourth of July food! It is expected that around 150 million hot dogs are eaten on the Fourth each year. One of the Fourth's most popular sides, potato salad, goes just perfectly with the hotdogs and hamburgers that are standard Fourth of July fare. Some people choose potato chips instead, but we wouldn't have such a plethora of potatoes if not for the prodigious production of the states of Idaho and Washington -- they provide about half of all the potatoes in the United States today!
  • Americans love celebrating the Fourth outdoors: About 74 million Americans fire up their BBQ grill every Fourth of July.
  • The Chinese contribution: Did you know that Americans have spent more than $211 million on fireworks that were imported from China?

No matter how your family chooses to celebrate the Fourth, stay safe, take precautions, and don't forget to brush after your fabulous Fourth feast!

Man with glasses holding his head, looking stressed, sitting at a desk with a laptop.
February 20, 2026
Learn how stress can impact your teeth and gums, from grinding to gum disease. Schedule a visit with Dr. Steven Inaba at Meridian Dental Clinic in Kent, WA.
Woman holding glass of ice water, grimacing while touching cheek, likely in pain.
February 20, 2026
Chipped or broken a tooth? Learn what to do next and when to seek care. Contact Dr. Steven Inaba at Meridian Dental Clinic in Kent, WA today.
Woman sitting in dental chair. Woman smiling with dental equipment behind her.
January 22, 2026
Learn about Preventative Care and how it helps with your long-term oral health with the best dentist Meridian Dental Clinic in Kent, WA, 98030.
Dentist using curing light on a patient's teeth. Patient sitting in chair with protective eyewear.
January 22, 2026
Learn how to choose between a dental filling and a dental crown with the best dentist at Meridian Dental Clinic in Kent, WA, 98030.
Dental implant with a white tooth in place, shown in an open mouth model.
July 16, 2025
Learn more about if dental implants are worth it with the best dentist in Kent, WA.
Person pointing to inflamed, red gums. White teeth, pink lips, and a fair complexion.
July 16, 2025
Learn more about gum disease warning signs that most people miss with the best dentist in Kent, WA.
Dentist holding a large white tooth model, wearing a mask and lab coat.
June 18, 2025
Learn more about what your teeth say about your habits and health with the best dentist in Kent, WA.
Couple brushing teeth together in bathroom.
June 18, 2025
Learn more about how to build a better oral hygiene routine at home with the best dentist in Kent, WA.
A close up of a person 's mouth with a broken tooth.
May 26, 2025
Learn more about what to do if you break a tooth with the best dentist in Kent, WA.
A woman is sitting in a dental chair looking at her teeth in a mirror.
May 26, 2025
Learn more about how to keep your dental work looking great with the best dentist in Kent, WA.
Show More