If you love summer, it’s probably because the days are warmer and longer, and you can enjoy all the outdoor activities you want. You can barbecue with friends and enjoy camping, boating, or sports. Although summer is a great season, you may find that your oral health can suffer since you’re busy and not in your regular routine. If this sounds like you, these tips for oral health in the summer might help.
Tips for Oral Health During the Summer Months
If you want to keep your mouth as healthy as possible during the summer months, these tips can help you:
Drink lots of water – It’s crucial to stay hydrated during the summer, and you may be tempted to do that with sugary drinks such as soda or lemonade. However, you can avoid dehydration and oral health problems if you opt for water instead. Sugary drinks cause the bacteria in your mouth to turn to acid, and this acid is what can cause cavities.
Avoid certain foods – Not only can sugary drinks cause oral health problems, but certain foods can also be an issue. Try to avoid or limit your consumption of sweet foods, such as candy, cake, or ice cream, as well as acidic foods, such as pickles, citrus, coffee, wine, and anything containing vinegar. Sugar causes the bacteria in your mouth to become acidic, and acidic foods can cause your tooth enamel to wear down.
Protect your teeth – If you are playing sports during the summer (or any time of year), wearing a mouth guard is essential to protect your teeth from getting chipped, broken, or knocked out.
Wear lip protectant – Not only is it important to protect your teeth, but be sure to keep your lips protected by wearing lip balm that contains sunscreen. This can help decrease your chance of skin cancer.
Avoid chewing on ice – Because you are probably drinking more cold drinks that contain ice in the summer, you might be tempted to chew on the ice in your drink. Unfortunately, chewing on ice can crack or chip a tooth, damage your tooth’s enamel, or cause harm to your braces or dental work.
Visit Your Dentist in Wilmington – Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you should skip your regular dental visits. Seeing your dentist in Wilmington twice a year for regular checkups and dental cleanings is crucial.
Do You Need a Dentist in Wilmington, DE?
We want to talk to you if you are looking for a professional dental team who can deliver caring and compassionate service! At Justison and Gladnick Family Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority. You can reach our dental office at (302) 994-2660 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
