Now that summer is upon us, the temperatures are warming up and the sun is shining brighter than ever.
Most people are engaging in a multitude of fun and exciting activities with their family and friends. These include fishing trips, camping adventures, cooking out, swimming, traveling to amusement parks, visiting zoos, and more.
While summer vacation is a wonderful time for exploring the great outdoors, traveling, and spending time with those that we care about, it is also a time where we may stray away from our normal dental routine and engage in activities that may be harmful to our oral health.
In this guide, you will be presented with a few different strategies that will ensure that your teeth, gums, and surrounding structures stays as healthy as possible.
Strategy #1: Make Certain You Keep Your Routine
It does not matter if you are trying to land that largemouth bass, are catching those amazing fireflies with your kids, or lighting up the campfire and telling spooky stories before you retreat to your tent for the night, you must resist the temptation to forego your everyday dental routine.
You must remember to brush two to three times daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride, rinse with an anti-bacterial ADA-approved mouthwash, and floss once a day.
While that shimmering sun and all those activities may take your mind away from your mouth, it is important to retain that beautiful smile during the summer!
Strategy #2: Just Say “No” to Sugar
During the summer months, it is common for all of us to sip on sugary beverages while we are out and about and indulge in sweet shakes when we are on the run. However, this is highly detrimental to your oral health.
If you know you will be out for a while, pack healthy, nutritious lunches and water. This will help keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful!
Strategy #3: Avoid Chewing Ice
When the temperatures heat up, you have to cool down – just avoid chewing ice to do it! Yes, your teeth are strong enough. Yes, ice chips are refreshing. Yes, they also taste very good when it is hot, but, yes, this will hurt your teeth.
Chewing on ice has the capability of damaging the enamel on your teeth. This is the substance that not only keeps your teeth white, but protects the soft materials below the tooth’s surface.
Additionally, if a lot of ice is chewed, it will soften the teeth and could result in chips and breaks. It is acceptable to place ice in your beverage to stay cool, but leave it there – no chewing allowed!
Let Us Help
Are you having a hard time with your dental health? If you answered “yes”, let us help. We are a periodontist in Wichita that can help you keep that smile of yours health – regardless of the season!
In addition to the steps you have been introduced to here, you should also see a dental health specialist on a regular basis. For more information, you may contact us today by calling: 316-683-2525