Summer Tips for Super Teeth
Keep your teeth healthy during the summertime
Ahh, Summer! Here in Southwest Florida, one can expect plenty of outdoor fun this time of year. The warm weather is ideal for backyard barbecues and family gatherings with delicious food coming in by the truckload! While it may be tempting to throw caution to the wind during these months, your family's dental health should never be neglected. Here are several tips to keep those teeth and gums healthy during the summer months.
Visit the Dentist... Seriously.
We know how it is. During a typical school year, it can be difficult to make time for dental visits. Both parents and kids are busier and days-off are harder to come by. Early summer provides an opportunity to get the kids' teeth taken care of without having to pull them out of school. If there are cavities or other problems detected during a check-up, you'll have the rest of the summer to work in follow-up appointments for any necessary procedures.
Getting dental visits taken care of early allows you to avoid the usual August rush or the possibility of missing class. Additionally, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing your kids have gotten their school year off to a better start with healthy teeth and gums.
Start a Routine, and Stick to it.
Brushing and flossing are important activities that must be done consistently, regardless of summertime distractions. It's easy to get in the habit of going to bed late and sleeping in, especially when you're on vacation or enjoying time off. However, you should keep in mind that the types of foods you may be enjoying out there may actually require you to take better care of your teeth than you're used to.
That healthy diet you've been on for most of the year could easily get put on hold, while you're out sampling the local cuisine in a different city. Foods like sticky barbecue and gourmet popcorn can get trapped between your teeth, requiring some extra attention when brushing and flossing. This might seem like a pain when you're spending most of your day out and about, bouncing from destination to destination. So consider carrying a travel pack wherever you go, and load it with your toothpaste, toothbrush and some floss.
Avoid Sugary Snacks
Depending on your summer plans, it might not be realistic to stick to a totally healthy diet. However, you should make some effort, especially if you're having a get-together at home and are in charge of the menu.
For example, everyone likes crunchy snacks, right? Since candy is far more likely to stick to your teeth and lead to decay, try setting out some sliced fruits and veggies. If the main dish is brisket, you might want to consider adding some celery sticks or carrots to the plate, rather than a mountain of potato chips.
Prevent Dental Emergencies.
Summertime activities often include bike riding and playing sports like volleyball. Kids are also likely to spend more time at the pool. This increases the likelihood of a dental emergency due to slips, falls and rough contact. If your kids are around a pool, make sure they observe common sense rules designed to prevent running on slippery decks or diving into shallow areas.
In the event that someone does chip or break a tooth, it's important to get to a dentist right away. First clean the area with warm water and apply a cold pack to reduce swelling. Use some gauze to stop the bleeding. The tooth should be submerged in salt-water or milk to keep it moist, until you can get to a dentist.
Drink Water. A lot of it!
Hotter temperatures during the summer mean everyone's going to get thirsty. However, you might want to take it easy with the lemonades, juices, and sodas. All that sugar is bad for your teeth and it would be better all around to drink more water. Water can help wash plaque away from your teeth and improve your breath – along with your overall health.
No bottled water? No worries! Tap water is often better since the fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth, making them more resistant to decay. Sodas and juices, on the other hand, can actually eat away at the enamel. If you simply can't avoid carbonated or acidic beverages, use a straw (ideally a paper or re-usable one) to reduce the amount of contact they have with your teeth.
Remember that while the summer months can throw you off of your usual routine, there are things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. While the tips above are designed to make this as painless as possible, the most important rule of all is to use common sense. If you can make time to see your dentist and avoid getting carried away with unhealthy foods, you stand a far better chance of maintaining good dental health throughout the year.
Now, who's ready to hit the pool?
