Who doesn’t love the carefree nature of summer? Fun times around the pool, excursions with friends and family, late balmy nights and barbecues in the yard. A break from routine can be a great thing, full of rest, relaxation, and joy. But it can also affect your oral health if you forget important parts of your normal routine, like dental care. Let’s go through a few dental health tips to keep your smile as bright as possible this summer.
Try To Keep A Routine
Your dental health is important year-round, but the excitement of summer can make it easy to neglect it. Make sure to keep to your twice daily tooth brushing and flossing schedule despite the changes in your routine! Children might need extra support to maintain good dental hygiene habits during the summer. We suggest making a summer-themed chart and stickers to remind your kids to brush their teeth at least twice a day.
Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush During Travel
If you’re planning a getaway this summer, remember to pack a toothbrush and toothpaste so you can keep up with your dental routine. Many stores carry small, travel-size toothbrushes and toothpastes, often with a handy travel case or sleeve so you can quickly stow your toothbrush in your backpack or purse.
Avoid Sugary Foods
As much as summer is all about letting loose, try not to go overboard on all the sugary treats! Foods rich in starch and sugar are the worst for your teeth. They tend to leave behind a residue that can be difficult to remove from your teeth, and over time can attack tooth enamel. This inevitably leads to tooth decay. Try swap out those sugary lollypops for some iced fruit pops instead.
Stay Hydrated
Did you know that drinking water directly benefits the teeth? With all the activities summer can bring, increased physical activity or drinking more alcohol, one can easily become dehydrated without realizing it, causing the mouth to stop producing enough saliva, and a dry mouth encourages excess bacterial growth. Prevent tooth decay and promote overall health by staying hydrated!
Don’t Chew Ice
If you’re someone who enjoys chewing ice to cool down and hydrate at the same time, we’re here to warn you of its dangers: It can cause serious damage to your teeth! Chewing ice can chip or break a tooth, and who wants a dental emergency over the summer? Instead of chewing ice, think twice and opt for a glass of cold water.
Cold Food And Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, you’re likely no stranger to how painful your favorite summer treats can be for your teeth. Speak to your dentist to find solutions to reduce your tooth sensitivity, and make sure to use a suitable toothpaste to help you enjoy some ice cream over the summer!
Wear Your Mouth Guard
If you wear mouth guards for teeth grinding and you’re planning a few trips this summer, make sure it’s on the top of your packing list. Teeth grinding can lead to chipping and a host of other issues. During the hustle and bustle of summer activity and a different routine, make sure this is one habit you don’t forget to use each night.
Don’t Forget To Book Your Dental Appointment
Schedule appointments with your dentist to make sure everyone is keeping up with their routine cleanings, exams and care appointments. Summer is often a busy time, so it’s especially important to schedule appointments and make them a priority. With kids out of school and adults taking extra vacation days, people can tend to forget things like doctor and dentist appointments.
Taking a break from your normal hectic routine is also a good time to get that teeth whitening treatment or dental restoration you may have been putting off. Make sure everyone in the family is getting the dental care they need to keep a healthy and bright smile this summer!
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