As the summer months truly start to begin, the sun starts to bring out a more active lifestyle in many, but it doesn’t come without some negatives. Especially when it comes to the health of your mouth.
It’s important during this time to know how to look after your mouth, teeth and gums, with all three potentially at greater risk. Check out these five top tips that will help you look after your oral health this summer in the best way possible:
1) Stick to your routine
With the start of summer, your daily routine may have to be adjusted in one way or another. Whether you are by the pool, on vacation, working new hours, or out with some friends, keeping your dental routine should just as important as it was before.
2) Get the right amount of sun
Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D which plays a key role in a healthier immune system. Research also shows that it can give your oral health a boost by helping to prevent gum disease. So, get some sun and think of using some protection for your lips as well.
Having healthy gums means you can keep your teeth for longer. Gum disease is also linked to heart health, mental health and diabetes so getting out in the sun could be a great choice for a healthy mouth.
3) Keep your teeth safe
Summer provides plenty of opportunity for food and drink on-the-go and outside of the home. Please avoid using your precious teeth to crack open bottles and packets. Or use them to hold or carry things when your hands are full. Thousands of unnecessary accidents happen every year when teeth are used inappropriately.
*If something does occur, contact your dentist for help.
Stick to using your teeth for what they were designed to do – chewing food to make it digestible.
4) Plan Ahead
While trips or events are being planned and booked, it is always a good thing to think ahead with your dental needs. Things may become hectic as the summer goes on and making the appointment may slip through the cracks. So book the appointment in advance and put that in your calendar early and be done with it.
Last minute trips always happen, which means last minute packing will follow suit. Make sure that you stock up on travel supplies in all varieties but do not forget the toothbrush and toothpaste. Always have your favorite toothbrush and toothpaste stockpiled and not hidden so it does not go forgotten.
5) Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated in the warmer months is always a great idea for general health, but also for oral health as well. What you drink throughout the day could impact your oral health in a dramatic way over time.
Water is a great mouth cleaner because it washes away leftover food and residue that cavity-causing bacteria love to eat. The cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of your teeth
***Fun Fact: Did you know that water and milk are the best options for our oral health. They will help keep you both hydrated and refreshed.
Try to avoid those drinks high in sugar and acid. Fizzy drinks, fruit juices and energy drinks can be harmful for your oral health. If sipped throughout the day, they can lead to tooth decay and dental erosion. If its a must, try to drink them in one sitting at meal time.
*Staying hydrated will also aid against a dry mouth.
Overall, have fun and be safe over the summer, but make sure to keep your oral health a top priority. Enjoy the sun, drink lots of water, stay prepared for anything, and don’t forget that teeth are used for chewing and you will be sure to keep your smile happy all summer!
