Summer is a season filled with lazy days in the sun and late nights with friends, accompanied by iced coffee, popsicles, and other sweet treats to keep you cool. While the focus is on fun in the sun, it can also cause dental challenges. Whether it’s increased sugar consumption or unintentional dehydration, it’s important to be aware of how your habits impact your oral health.
For today’s blog post, let’s explore five issues that may impact your dental health in the summer and how to prevent them.
1. Increased sugar intake
It wouldn’t be summertime without doughnuts from the farmer’s market, ice cream after lunch, or popsicle playdates! As much as you love these treats, they can also feed harmful bacteria, causing plaque build-up and tooth decay.
To keep cavities at bay, enjoy your favorite indulgences in moderation, and rinse your mouth with water afterwards. When possible, opt for healthier alternatives like fruit-based popsicles or frozen yogurt. Of course, you also need to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day.
2. Dehydration
Hot temperatures, combined with physical activity, often lead to unexpected dehydration, which reduces saliva flow. Saliva plays an important role in neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. Without it, bacteria thrive, and your risk of tooth decay and bad breath increases.
Fortunately, this issue has an easy fix: Stay hydrated! Bring a refillable bottle of water with you when you’re on the go. Aim to drink half of your body weight in ounces each day. Limit your intake of sugary and acidic drinks, including soda, energy drinks, and fruit juices.
3. Chlorine exposure
Did you know that swimming in chlorinated pools makes your teeth vulnerable to slightly acidic water? This exposure weakens your tooth enamel over time. You may also notice discoloration or increased tooth sensitivity.
To reduce exposure, keep your mouth closed while swimming. Schedule regular check-ups to monitor any enamel changes, and practice good oral hygiene habits at home.
4. Sports-related injuries
During the summer months, you may play contact sports, go biking, or swim more frequently. These activities may lead to chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth, especially if proper safety gear isn’t used.
To protect your teeth, always wear a mouthguard. With children, encourage safe habits and supervise them carefully during rough play. It’s also important to remember that your dentist is always on hand in case of a dental emergency!
5. Poor oral hygiene habits
Let’s be honest: Traveling disrupts your daily routine, making it tempting to skip your oral care. Even a few days of neglected brushing and flossing can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum issues.
To keep your dental health top of mind, throw a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste in your car or purse. If it’s helpful, you can even set reminders on your phone to make sure you don’t forget. Lastly, opt for snacks that won’t get stuck in your teeth, like nuts, cheese, and crunchy vegetables.
We hope you’ll choose Maitland Ave Smile Co. for your dental health!
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like your family’s dental routine, dental anxiety, and more.