Longer days, vacations and time spent with family and friends—that’s what summer is all about. While it’s important to use time off to do the things we love, it’s equally important to do things that keep us healthy, like going to the dentist and practicing proper dental health habits. Keep your smile beautiful and healthy with these simple summer dental tips:
1. Stick to a routine – Summer may be the season of spontaneity, but it’s not the time to stray from good dental health habits. Even if you’re traveling, brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once daily.
2. Eat a healthy diet – BBQs, trips and lazy days at the pool are filled with endless opportunities to munch on unhealthy food. Sugary snacks can promote tooth decay, and eating too much junk food can be detrimental to your overall dental health. Experts believe that poor nutrition also contributes to gum disease, so be sure to keep your plate full of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
3. Perfect your smile – Instead of going on vacation, consider treating yourself to something that will last a lifetime, a beautiful smile. Veneers, which are carefully shaped shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth, can make a dramatic difference in your smile by covering up discoloration, concealing chips, filling gaps and straightening teeth. Since veneers usually take a few visits, summer is the ideal time to schedule appointments. If you’re looking for a faster solution to enhance your smile, professional whitening treatments are quick, easy and non-invasive.
4. Schedule essential procedures – Summer is also the perfect time to have necessary dental procedures you’ve been putting off, like root canals, bridges and fillings. More invasive procedures, such as dental implants, artificial teeth that are surgically inserted into the bone, may require multiple dental visits and several days to heal. If you need dentures, summer is the ideal time to get fitted, since it usually takes about two or three weeks for a set to be made.
5. Prevent injury – Biking, rollerblading, hiking and participating in summer sports leagues are some of the best parts of summer, but they can also create the perfect storm for dental injury. Use a mouthguard while staying active to prevent injury, and be mindful not to swallow too much pool water. Chlorine can weaken enamel and stain teeth.
6. Choose water – The heat may keep you reaching for a cold beverage, but resist the urge to quench your thirst with sugary sodas and fruit juices. Watch out for alcohol, too. Sweet and fizzy cocktails also contribute to tooth decay. If you do choose to imbibe, opt for mixers with soda water, not tonic, to keep sugar consumption at a minimum.
7. Schedule dental a checkup – Keep your smile healthy and beautiful by scheduling a cleaning and exam. Delaying necessary checkups puts you at risk for developing hard-to-control tooth decay, cavities and tooth loss.
Maintaining good dental health habits during the summer will help you keep a beautiful smile all year round. By following these simple summer dental tips, you’ll keep your teeth strong and healthy for any summer adventures that come your way.