The summer months are a time when we enjoy warm weather, vacations, and a variety of refreshing drinks and foods. You certainly know that feeling when it's 35 degrees outside and the only thing on your mind is a well-chilled drink and being by the water. On hot summer days, the whole organism gets busy, even the teeth are no exception. Heat, increased consumption of sugary drinks and foods, and changes in daily routine can have a negative impact on our oral health.
Here are some tips to take care of your teeth during the summer:
1. Observe regular oral hygiene
Even if you are on vacation, don't forget the basic rules of oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, be sure not to miss the interdental spaces, and in addition to a regular brush, pack a couple of interdental brushes for your vacation. Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking to remove food debris and bacteria.
2. Drink lots of water
It is important to drink enough water on hot days. Water not only hydrates the body, but also helps keep the oral cavity clean by washing away food debris and reducing the amount of acids that can damage tooth enamel.
3. Limit sugary drinks
Refreshing summer drinks such as sodas, iced teas and alcoholic cocktails can contain a lot of sugar, which promotes tooth decay. Try to limit their consumption and opt instead for unsweetened drinks or water. If you cannot forgive yourself a sweetened or alcoholic drink, we have one tip for you - after drinking the drink, rinse your oral cavity with a glass of clean water so that your teeth are exposed to sugar for as short a time as possible. At the same time, it is not good to brush your teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste immediately after drinking an alcoholic sweetened cocktail. It is advisable to wait at least half an hour and brush your teeth afterwards. So don't forget that a well-chilled Margarita must be drunk with a glass of clean water (in addition to healthy teeth, you won't have a headache in the morning 😊).
4. Eat healthy snacks
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great snack during the summer. In addition to being healthy, many of them, like apples or carrots, help to naturally clean the teeth and massage the gums. Avoid sticky and sweet snacks that easily settle on the teeth and promote the formation of dental plaque.
5. Ice in the drink is better not
Many of us cannot imagine a summer drink without ice cubes. The ice in the drink itself is not a problem. It can become a problem if you bite into the ice, either unintentionally or on purpose. Biting into ice is a common habit during the summer when we are trying to cool off. However, this habit can be very harmful to your teeth. The hardness of the ice can cause microcracks or even fractures in the tooth enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and possible other problems. Instead of biting into the ice, let it melt in your mouth or in a drink, or choose another, less hard refreshment.
6. Protect your teeth during sports
If you engage in sports activities during the summer, don't forget to protect your teeth. Use mouthguards in contact sports to prevent injuries and broken teeth. If you don't have a mouth guard yet, come to us and we will make one for you within 24 hours.
7. Do not forget about regular inspections
There is nothing worse than having a toothache on vacation and having to entrust yourself to a dentist you are seeing for the first time. Often there is a language barrier and you do not understand your new dentist. The situation is worse if you go on vacation to third world countries and the dental clinic is just some kind of stand on the street. Therefore, it is much better to prevent these situations than to solve them. Before going on vacation, think about your teeth and visit your dentist . A regular preventive check-up in the summer months can save your teeth. The dentist detects and solves problems in time that could worsen in the hot months.
The summer months are a time of joy and relaxation, but it is important not to neglect dental care. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your smile stays healthy and beautiful all year round.
Author of the article: MDDr. Laura Hantke Lukáčová
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