Summer has arrived! Beach, pools and sun often go hand in hand with drinks, parties and food. We know how much you want to enjoy summer, so we’ve come up with a few tips to help you maintain your oral health this season.
1. Avoid sugary foods and eat healthy snacks
When the weather gets hot people run to their ice-cold soda and snacks for a reprieve. Though they might taste sweet and delicious, they have the opposite effect on your body. Not only are they bad for your health, sugary snacks are especially bad for your teeth. Everyone’s mouth is a home for special bacteria which create a plaque layer and protect your teeth. When this layer encounters sugar, the bacteria eat up all the sweet stuff and turn it into acid. This acid is strong enough to begin eating away at your teeth, causing cavities. To avoid this suffering, swap sugary sweets for fresh fruit and vegetables this summer!
2. Keep hydrated
Water is vital for survival so are you surprised it is also very beneficial for your mouth? A dry mouth is a perfect breeding ground for certain bacteria that gives you bad breath. Without hydrating and drinking throughout the day, your mouth could be in a constant state of ‘morning breath’ no matter the time! In addition to maintaining the moisture in your mouth, water also prevents staining from foods, such as berries and coffee, as well as flushing away sugars and acids from sugary snacks. So, remember to stay hydrated this summer for the sake of your body and teeth.
3. Wear mouth guards for summer sports
The most common cause of dental injuries are sport, leisure and recreation activities. However, a mouth guard that is custom fit by your dentist can reduce these risks as they are designed to absorb and spread the impact of a shock. Dental injuries are generally painful and expensive, avoid the costs and discomfort by wearing a mouth guard for summer sports!
4. Keep brushing and flossing
I’m sure you’ve heard it all before but let us reiterate – daily brushing and flossing is very important for your teeth! Why? Because brushing and flossing is the best way to remove the bad plaque that turns sugar into acid and causes decay. Brushing itself is insufficient in maintaining oral health as it only removes plaque from the tooth’s surface. Thus, flossing is like its right-hand man – there to finish the job by removing debris between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. Brushing and flossing are like two peas in a pod, one can’t happen without the other for good oral hygiene.
5. Wear lip balm SPF30+
Let’s not forget about your lips! It’s important to use lip balm with SPF throughout the warmer months as UV rays can burn lips with prolonged exposure. Lip balms with SPF contain more wax than traditional kinds and adhere better, meaning you don’t have to reapply as often. Girls should also avoid lip gloss as it absorbs more sunlight, increasing the risk of burns. So whenever your family runs out of sunscreen, make sure to buy some extra lip balm to ward off UV rays. Keep it in your purse, pocket or swim bag to always have it handy!
6. Change your toothbrush every 3 months using ultra soft – soft bristles only
We recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Studies have shown that after 3 months, wear and tear effects toothbrushes – the bristles break down and they are no longer able to reach tricky corners around your teeth. As a result, they become much less effective at removing plaque from your teeth compared to new ones. Toothbrushes can also be breeding grounds for germs and fungus! You wouldn’t clean your car with a dirty sponge so why clean your teeth with a dirty toothbrush?
We are all for fun in the summer! These simple steps are to help you protect your teeth from further harm this season, especially with Christmas around the corner. If you have any questions, queries or concerns don’t hesitate to contact us at Beachside Complete Dental Care, we’re here to ensure your pearly whites stay healthy all year round!
