Summer is synonymous with fun days and getaways. It’s that special time when you get to enjoy being with your family and friends. Just thinking of those BBQ dinners with your loved ones probably makes your mouth water. Just don’t forget to clean your teeth thoroughly after eating — before the stain-causing sauces and cooked meats that get stuck in your teeth are allowed to damage your smile. This post offers a trio of choices you can make to easily maintain or even improve the health of your teeth — and therefore the quality of your smile — through the summer months.
Don’t Forget To Hydrate
High summer temps will make you sweat and lose lots of fluid. What’s your #1 go-to reliever for thirst and poor hydration? It should be water, but way too many people go straight to a can or bottle of soda first. This is problematic, not to mention counter-productive, as you’ll read in the following blog post:
Stay Hydrated. With Water. Sure, you probably already know how important it is to stay hydrated, especially as the temperatures continue to rise. But it’s also important to know that the best way to stay hydrated is to drink water instead of sugary sports drinks, soda pop, or beverages that stain your teeth. Alcohol actually contributes to dehydration, so go easy on those adult beverages at the BBQ and maybe have a big glass of water between them.
Keep the Lip Balm Handy. You’ve got sunscreen for the rest of your skin, but don’t forget your lips the next time you go out. Lip balm keeps your lips from drying out, and one that has an SPF of 15 or more will protect your lips from the sun’s damaging rays. The skin around your mouth is particularly thin and sensitive, so it’s also especially vulnerable to heat and sunlight. Read more at Blacker Family Dental
Water is life to your body — which obviously includes your teeth and lips. Drinking the recommended eight glasses of water each day is a good place to start on your summer dental health plan.
Avoid Chewing Ice
Mindlessly munching on ice to beat the summer heat is an overlooked problem for many people who are destined to become dental patients for this very habit. What could be wrong with consuming the recommended daily allowance of water in solid form? As it turns out, there are multiple reasons why liquid is best. Continue reading for details.
Chewing on ice can cause dental damage like cracked or chipped teeth. It can also damage your enamel, causing increased sensitivity to hot and cold and leaving you more prone to tooth decay and cavities. Chewing ice can create even further problems by damaging existing dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers, to top it off. So, yeah, eating ice probably isn’t the best habit. But what can you do instead?
Make It Melt. Instead of crunching your way through a glass of frosty cubes, try letting them melt in your mouth slowly. You’ll still get that satisfying refreshment from the ice, and it will last longer than just chewing the entire glass…
Switch to Slush. You can also try replacing your regular cubes with softer types of ice. Go for shaved ice, slushies, or even “soft” ice, also known as nugget ice, which is slushier than the regular stuff. Read more at Colgate
If you really can’t resist the urge to chomp on ice, order your beverages without any and eliminate the temptation. Your drinks will still be served surprisingly cold, and you won’t accidentally damage your teeth in the process. (Side note: If you notice a constant urge to chew on ice, consider getting checked for an iron deficiency as this can be a sign.)
Make Wise Choices On The Run
Summer seems to move at a relentless pace. Practicing healthy habits on the fly, such as grabbing nourishing foods for on-the-go grazing, will help tremendously with keeping your teeth straight, bright and strong. Fruits of every kind are favored for quick, healthy snacking — but some varieties can be troublesome. See the reasons detailed below, along with additional hustle-based factors you should keep in mind.
When it comes to healthy snacks, many people choose dried fruit as number one. However, dried fruit contains sugar and is sticky, and sticky means that it will stay on your teeth longer than other food which will result in damaging your teeth. For instance, fig bars might seem like the perfect healthy choice but they are bad for your teeth (2). Instead, snack on vegetables, carrots = the on-the-go toothbrush. If you snack on dried fruits often, make sure to rinse your mouth with water after eating or brush and floss with extra care…
Opening beer bottles, post or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as a tool can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers close by. The bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating. Read more at Adent Health
Following the simple tips in this blog post will allow you to enjoy the summer without having major regrets about your smile when the season ends. Of course, if you still end up facing challenges, Charlotte’s best dentist, Dr. Robert Harrell at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne, can provide general or cosmetic dental treatment to restore or even create for the first time your healthy, brilliant smile.
If your needs involve dental implants, you’ll be especially happy to know that Dr. Harrell is Charlotte’s best dental implant provider. Schedule a free, no-obligation smile consultation with him to discuss the specifics of your case. Call us today at 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on our website to set your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you.
