Smile Bright All Summer – Top Dental Tips for Summer Time Oral Health
Although the Fourth of July is behind us, there are still plenty of summer days and nights left to enjoy. Different seasons take their toll on your oral health in various ways. If you want to keep your pearly whites bright this summer, these are some simple hacks to keep your dental well-being on track.
Limit Frozen Treats and Citrusy Drinks
With summer comes popsicles, slushes, and sugary drinks! As you are cooling down with a refreshing drink, consider how it is affecting your overall dental health. It is important to focus on hydration when the summer continues to heat up, but there are better ways to reduce the risk of dehydration than sugar-filled drinks. Focus on drinks that have electrolytes to rehydrate when outdoors for extended periods, but watch the acid and sugar content. Acidic drinks can lead to enamel erosion, and sugary drinks can cause dental caries over time. It’s okay to indulge every once in a while, but try not to make it a summertime, all the time, habit.
Hydration is a Must
Most people understand the importance of hydration on the body during the long summer months, but not many consider its effects on oral health. Dehydration can lead to chronic dry mouth and bad breath. Also, drinking water frequently and staying hydrated can help wash away bacteria and acid that can damage your teeth’s enamel. Make a special point to carry a water bottle when outdoors for extended periods.
Camping and Traveling Shouldn’t Disrupt Your Oral Groove
Many families spend a good amount of time on the road during the summer months. It is important to continue your oral regimen when traveling. If you go camping, bring along a toothbrush and pack mouthwash. Mouthwash can help reduce bacterial growth and keep your breath fresh. Also, if you bring a travel toothbrush, don’t keep it bottled up for long periods. It is critical to air it out to avoid bacteria and mold growth.
Pool Exposure Can Lead to Tooth Discoloration
When the summer heats up, many will find themselves poolside for the majority of the time. If you are wondering if pool exposure can lead to tooth discoloration, the answer is “Yes”. It isn’t the chlorine itself that can discolor your teeth; prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can lead to enamel erosion and dental discoloration. The real culprit is a combination of minerals and chlorine resulting from a pool with poor PH balance. If you spend a lot of time swimming, it’s a good idea to brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste and rinse after swimming. Although it is very unlikely that your teeth will discolor, a bit of prevention can go a long way.
Take Healthy Summer Snacks to Heart
When packing a bag for a pool, beach, or dry trip, be conscious of what snacks you bring. Instead of using the standard kid treats like fruit rollups and gummies, consider crunchy vegetables and fruits. They will help to stimulate saliva production and clean your teeth, all in one. Also, bring along yogurt and cheese for their phosphate and calcium goodness. Lastly, ditch the popsicles and sugar treats for nuts and seeds, which provide protein, calcium, and magnesium, which are great for oral and overall health!
With the fourth behind us, there is still a lot of summer time fun to be had. As many of us leave our daily routine behind for the summer break, one routine that you should take on-the-go is oral health habits. Just a little bit of prevention and care can do wonders for your dental wellness. One last reminder, now is an excellent time to schedule your dental checkup for the fall and beat the back-to-school rush!