Summer is here, and you are probably looking forward to enjoying the warm weather, outdoor activities, and delicious food and drinks. But while having fun in the sun, remember to take excellent care of your teeth and gums. Summer can pose some challenges for oral health, such as dehydration, increased exposure to sugar and acid, and potential injuries. That is why you should explore some summer dental health tips to keep your smile bright and healthy on sunny days.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most crucial summer dental health tips is to drink plenty of water. Water keeps you from dehydrating, essential for your general health and wellness.
Water also helps you produce saliva, your natural defense against bacteria, plaque, and bad breath. Saliva also helps neutralize the acids that can erode your enamel and cause cavities. Therefore, drink water all day long, especially when you have something sweet or sour to eat or drink.
Limit Sugary and Acidic Drinks
You should also avoid sweet and sour drinks as much as you can. Many people like to have sodas, juices, sports drinks, lemonades, iced teas, and alcoholic beverages in the summer. While these drinks may taste good and refresh you, they can harm your teeth and gums.
Acid erodes your enamel and makes your teeth more sensitive, while sugar feeds the germs that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Use a straw when consuming these liquids to prevent contact with your teeth, and then swish water around your mouth afterward.
Protect Your Teeth from Injuries
Summer is also when many people engage in sports and recreational activities that can put their teeth at risk of injuries. Wear a mouthguard to shield your teeth against chips, cracks, and knocks whether you’re skateboarding, playing basketball, baseball, or soccer.
A mouthguard is a custom-made device that fits over your teeth and cushions them from impact. You can purchase one at a sports store or your dentist. Just ensure it is comfy to wear and that it fits nicely.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Of course, one of the best summer dental health tips is maintaining good oral hygiene all year round. The fundamentals of maintaining clean, healthy teeth and gums are brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once daily.
It would help to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and dental cleanings. Your dentist can identify issues early on and offer curative or restorative procedures.
Visit Dr. Alex Shalman for Quality Dental Care
Dr. Alex Shalman is the dentist you need in New York City for quality dental care and a beautiful smile. From general to cosmetic to implant dentistry, we can provide you with comprehensive dentistry thanks to our knowledge and expertise.
To guarantee your comfort and happiness, we employ the most recent technology and methods. We can assist you in achieving your ideal smile, whether you require a basic cleaning, a filling, a crown, a veneer, or an implant. Visit or call us right now to schedule a consultation or learn about our services. We look forward to seeing you soon!