Our smiles face unique challenges in the summertime, so it can be helpful to be proactive with your dental health! Our Easton dental specialists have put together some tips to help keep your smile healthy and safe all summer long! Follow this guide to keep your smile protected throughout the warmer months.
Avoid Opening Containers With Your Teeth
Many people think their teeth are invincible and try to open containers or glass bottles with their teeth. This is so dangerous for your smile because you can crack and even break your tooth by trying to open these containers. If your tooth cracks all the way down to the gums, you can leave your teeth vulnerable to infection. You can also break your tooth and leave a sharp edge that could cut the inside of your mouth. Protect your teeth by simply using a bottle opener or ask for help. Using your teeth as a tool is risky and can seriously harm your smile.
Use SPF Chapstick
One oral health factor that often gets overlooked is our lip care! Wear SPF on your face and lips to protect your smile all summer long! Harmful UV rays can seriously damage our lips, so it is important to wear some SPF chapstick every day, especially when you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors. Protect your lips to protect your smile!
Stick to Your Routine
As we spend a lot of time outdoors with family and friends, we tend to lose track of our normal routine. This can be harmful for our oral health because we may leave foods and drinks on our teeth longer and we may even skip brushing. This can lead to more plaque and tartar on our teeth which could contribute to further dental decay and gum disease. Try and stick to your dental care routine as much as possible to protect your teeth and gums. Our Easton dental specialists recommend brushing before breakfast to remove bacteria that has developed over night. Always brush and floss before bed to remove food debris and plaque so that it doesn't stay on your teeth overnight. Sticking to your routine whenever possible can help keep your smile healthy all summer long!
Stay Hydrated
One of the easiest ways to keep your smile healthy all summer long is to stay hydrated! Our Easton dental specialists recommend drinking water throughout the day to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh. We get really dehydrated in the summer because of the excess heat and increase in outdoor activity. It is so important that you try to keep your body and smile hydrated, especially during the summer. Consume other sugary drinks in moderation, such as soda, juice, or alcohol. Rinse out your mouth with water after consuming sugar or acidic substances. When given the option, always choose water for a healthy refreshment!
Limit Sugary Treats
We often indulge in sweet treats in the summer at social gatherings, which can be harmful to your teeth and gums. Things like ice cream, ice pops, and other yummy treats can contain high levels of sugar. These treats can break down enamel and contribute to plaque and bacteria. Protect your smile by choosing healthy treats like fruits and veggies. Of course, everything is fine in moderation, but try to rinse your mouth with water afterwards. This can help to wash away some of the sugary residue from your smile. Be sure to brush and floss after consuming sugary or acidic foods so that your smile can stay healthy throughout these fun summer months.