Summer Dental Care Tips

Whether you’re an adult at home with your children over summer vacation or a child enjoying the next two months of sunshine and freedom from school obligations, we have summer dental care tips that can help a variety of people. 

Although your typical daily routine likely differs significantly from the school year to the summer, here are 5 dental care tips that aim to ensure you maintain a proper oral hygiene routine throughout July and August:

Make Your Back-to-School Dental Appointment

We know, school just ended and you’re probably wondering why we’re already mentioning it again, but we can assure you that there’s a sound reason. Fall is a particularly busy time for dental care appointments as well as appointments for other healthcare providers. If you schedule your or your children’s appointments now, it’s one less thing you have to worry about in August and can help to easily establish a back to school oral hygiene routine.

Stay Hydrated

Too often, we get so focused on packing for the beach or spending a day at the pool that we tend to forget the most essential item: water! Sure, it’s in front of you to look at, to swim in, to float upon, but what about the kind you need to drink? Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated, but it also directly benefits your teeth by preventing tooth decay and promoting overall health. If you have a dry mouth, then bacteria grows more easily, which means less saliva to get rid of dental plaque. 

Avoid Chewing on Ice

Keeping those beverages nice and cold in the summer sun is a necessity, which means using lots of ice. We know that chewing on ice can be particularly tempting for children or for adults who have had a hard time breaking the habit over the years. But, the reality is that ice can damage your teeth. Chewing ice makes your teeth quickly cool down and then heat up over and over, which makes your tooth enamel expand and contract. This nearly always leads to micro fractures forming in the surface of your teeth.

Try to Limit Sugary Foods & Beverages

We enjoy refreshing items in the summer here in New England, but these are often loaded with sugar – think: soda and “sugar free” drinks. While it’s important to note which foods and beverages can damage our teeth, it’s equally as important to understand that there are plenty of foods and beverages that brighten tooth enamel. 

Protect Your Toothbrush While Traveling

Many of us living in the Northeast enjoy vacations to different cities or states during summer months. It’s important that you protect and preserve your toothbrush while traveling. Check out our helpful tips for how to keep your toothbrush germ-free.

Have questions? You know where to find us! We’re here and happy to help you ensure that your summer break includes a regular, proper dental care routine.