When the summer season arrives, people usually occupy themselves with a few common indulgences. Firstly, they’ll start working on their summer body, even though it might be too late for that. Then, they’ll plan summer vacations and shopping sprees. Lastly, they will look for all the sugary and cold treats they can munch on.
However, they forget to take care of their oral health while doing all that. As a result, while summer might be enjoyable, they eventually have to suffer in the long run.
Your smile is important. As renowned Gilbert-based orthodontist, Dr. Tyler Robison says, “I believe the power of a beautiful smile is beyond measure.” Therefore, you must know how to keep that perfect smile safe during the summer. To help you out with that, here are a few oral hygiene tips from experts like Dr. Robinson himself.
#1 Be Careful with Your Daily Sugar Intake
Summer means candies, ice cream, sodas, sweets, and other refreshing snacks. It won’t feel like summer unless you indulge in these treats. However, given the amount of artificial sugar these snacks have, they aren’t healthy for your teeth.
Too much sugar leads to tooth decay. Sugary treats also cause cavities and gum diseases, increasing tooth sensitivity.
Sugar creates enamel-eating acids. The acids will eat away the enamel, leaving your teeth exposed to all sorts of external factors and elements. The bacteria that cause gum diseases can also lead to gingivitis. These bacteria form due to high sugar consumption. The disease destroys the protective tissues that hold your teeth in their places.
Asking you to stop consuming sugar won’t work, especially during the summer holidays. What you can do, however, is reduce consumption. You should also consider looking for sugar-free alternatives. Switching to fruit sugars is a much healthier way of consuming sugar.
#2 Brush Your Teeth
Everyone must brush their teeth daily, and it isn’t a summer-only recommendation. However, it does hold more significance because of the weather.
During summer, you’re likely to consume more sugary foods and drinks. You’ll eventually drink more sodas and ice-cold water as the weather gets warmer. The sugar in these treats will stick to your teeth, leading to decay. The ice-cold drinks will also lead to increased sensitivity in your teeth. That’s why brushing your teeth becomes twice as important as summer approaches.
Use a soft-bristled brush for your teeth. Ideally, you should change the brush once every three months. Also, buy toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride helps fight cavities and bacteria in your teeth.
It’s also a good practice to use mouthwash. Carry it with you wherever you go. After a meal, use your mouthwash to rinse away any residue that might remain in your mouth.
#3 Drink More Water
It’s super easy to get dehydrated in the hot summer weather. Staying hydrated becomes hard. When dehydrated, your mouth fails to produce saliva efficiently. Without sufficient saliva, bacteria and food particles will start building up on your teeth and mouth. Therefore, you must ensure a continuous flow of saliva in your mouth,
Drinking plenty of water is the only way to do that. You’ll need at least three to four liters of water every day, depending on how hot and humid the weather is.
#4 Use a Straw
You can’t keep yourself away from sugary drinks during summer, and that’s fine. You don’t have to refrain from consuming them entirely. However, you can somewhat avoid putting your teeth at risk by using a straw.
A straw will make sure that the drink or sugar doesn’t come in direct contact with your teeth. That way, you won’t expose your teeth to sugar, thereby protecting them from cavities and bacteria.
#5 Don’t Chew On Ice
People chew on ice in summer to cool down and hydrate themselves. This habit, however, can damage your teeth. Biting on an ice cube can easily break your teeth. It can even lead to cracks below the gum line.
Thus, instead of chewing on ice, get yourself a cool glass of water to quench your thirst.
#6 Protect Your Lips
Direct contact with the sun can dehydrate and damage your lips. To protect them, wear a moisturizing lip balm, preferably one with an SPF rating of 30+. Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors or in hot and humid conditions.
So, as you get ready to party and enjoy the summer, don’t forget to keep your oral health in check.