5 Ways to Take Care of Your Smile This Summer

Summer is here! Sure, it’s a time for fun in the sun and enjoying outdoor activities, but it’s also a time when we tend to put our oral health in the backseat because of the bevy of distractions that come with the season. Barbecues, pool parties, visits from the ice cream truck, and indulging in refreshing beverages that help us to cool down become the fabric of our two-month daily routines. But, it’s critical that you remember that good oral health is imperative all year-round and that neglecting your dental care during the summer, even temporarily, can lead to future dental problems. 

Let’s take a closer look at how we can maintain our oral health care routine throughout the summer months with these summer dental care tips: 

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!: Staying hydrated is important for both our overall health and our oral health. When we drink plenty of water, we flush away harmful bacteria, food particles, and oral debris that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Water can also help keep your mouth moist, which is necessary to prevent dry mouth, a condition that can lead to bad breath and other oral health problems.
2. Keep the Sugar to a Minimum: Summer is a time for cold drinks, but sugary and acidic drinks, like soda, iced coffees, and tea are harmful to your teeth. Sugary drinks can lead to tooth decay, while acidic drinks can erode your tooth enamel, which may lead to sensitivity among other issues. Do your best to fight the urge and limit your consumption of soda, sports drinks, and other sugary and acidic drinks; instead, opt for water or unsweetened tea whenever possible.
3. Stick to Your Regular Oral Hygiene Routine: Good oral hygiene is important year-round, but it’s especially essential during the summer months when we tend to indulge more excessively in sugary treats and acidic foods and drinks (as noted above). Make a concerted effort to properly brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and be sure to floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. Consider carrying a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste with you if you find yourself constantly on the go, so you can brush your teeth after meals and sugary drinks.
4. Have a Mouthguard On-Hand: If you’re a parent of children who play sports, you might want to encourage the use of a mouthguard or, at least, have one on-hand. A mouth guard is designed to help protect your teeth and gums from injury during those peak active times. Talk to us about getting a custom-fitted mouth guard that will provide the best protection for your healthy smile.
5. Schedule Your Regular Checkup: While it may not be at the top of your summer bucket list, it’s actually a great time to schedule your routine dental checkup. Not only are these dental checkups important for maintaining good oral health, but they can also help to identify and treat potential dental problems before they become serious. Our dental team is ready to examine your teeth and gums, clean your teeth and provide you with tips for maintaining good oral health that are tailored to your unique needs.

Believe us, if you follow these tips regularly and even through the summer months, then your teeth, gums and smile will thank you! Have questions or concerns about your dental health or challenges you anticipate with maintaining your oral health this summer? Contact us – together, we can design a routine that will work for you!