You’ve been waiting all year for summer break to come around. This is the perfect time to take a few days off work, spend some extra time with your friends and family, and even head out of town for a more elaborate summer vacation. One thing that you know for sure is that you don’t want a dental issue to get in the way of your exciting plans. Here are some summer oral health tips to keep you out of the dental chair for the time being.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
If you aren’t keeping up an excellent oral hygiene routine, you can’t expect to avoid dental problems. Be sure that you are brushing twice and flossing once every single day. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash to keep your smile extra fresh. Schedule regular cleanings and checkups with your dentist to ensure that everything is in good shape.
Limit Your Sugar Intake
While the weather is warmer, you might be more tempted to reach for sugary ice cream cones, sports drinks, or soda. Having these treats on occasion doesn’t usually cause problems, but if you are having them too often, your smile could be in trouble. This increases your risk of ending up with tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. You certainly don’t want to spend your vacation in the dental chair getting unexpected work done.
Drink Lots of Water
It is important that you stay hydrated, and the best thing that you can drink is water. This liquid is necessary for your entire body to function properly. Tap water is an even better choice because it contains a natural mineral called “fluoride.” This helps to protect your teeth from decay. Fluoride is especially beneficial for young children since their adult teeth are still developing.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
You use your teeth to chew your food, keep saliva in your mouth, and smile. They aren’t made to rip through stubborn packaging, crunch on ice cubes, or chew your fingernails. You could end up with a broken or fractured tooth. You should only use your teeth for their intended purpose – eating!
Get a Mouthguard
It is a great idea to head outside and stay active with friends, but it can put your teeth at risk. You don’t want to end up with a knocked-out or broken tooth. To keep your smile safe while out on the field, use a mouthguard. This way, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a dental injury.
Don’t let a preventable dental issue put a damper on your summer. Use the tips listed above. This is a smile to remember!
About the Author
Dr. Deval Parmar is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 13 years. She earned her dental doctorate from the Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and has completed additional training in dental implants, Invisalign, and laser dentistry. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Frisco, visit her website or call (972) 972-4646.