How to Improve Your Oral Health This Spring and Summer

When spring and summer arrive, our routines shift towards outdoor activities, vacation plans, and plenty of backyard barbecues. These are some of the reasons we love summer, but warmer weather can bring about habits that might challenge our dental health.

There are some surprising factors to consider to maintain a healthy smile during the warmer months. Here are some helpful tips for healthy teeth all season long.

Stay Hydrated

Warmer weather and more time outside can mean the potential for dehydration, which reduces saliva production. Saliva is needed for optimal oral health. One of it’s prime functions is to help wash away food pieces and neutralize acids.

Drinking the recommended amount of water keeps you hydrated and also helps in maintaining oral health by promoting saliva production. This is particularly important during the hotter months when the risk of dehydration is higher.

Pass on the Sugary Drinks and Snacks

Summer is synonymous with sweetened drinks, ice cream, and other sugary snacks that can be harmful to your teeth. Sugar interacts with the bacteria in the dental plaque to produce acid that attacks the enamel and can lead to cavities.

Instead, opt for healthier, teeth-friendly snacks like raw vegetables, nuts, and fruits. Watermelon and strawberries, for example, are a dentist's favorite.

Limit Acidic Foods and Beverages

Acidic food and drinks can erode your tooth enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Some popular acidic summer food include sports drinks, sodas, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.

Enjoy them in moderation, but rinse with water after enjoying acidic foods or drinks to neutralize their effects and help protect your enamel.

Don't Forget to Brush and Floss

While summer schedules can disrupt your daily routine, especially for kids, make sure to stick to your dental care regimen.

If you're traveling, pack a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to make usre you stick to your oral hygiene routine on the go.

Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

Spring and summer are popular seasons for sports, from biking and skateboarding to soccer and baseball. Protecting your mouth should be a part of your sports gear.

A mouthguard helps protect the mouth from a blow to the face, reducing the risk of broken teeth and other injuries. Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouthguard, which will provide better protection than one bought off-the-shelf.

Be Aware of Chlorinated Pool Water

If you're a frequent swimmer in chlorinated pools, you might not be aware that prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can be tough on your teeth. Pool water, especially if not properly pH balanced, can cause enamel erosion. To minimize the impact, it's advisable not to open your mouth to ingest pool water and ensure you maintain good oral hygiene after swimming.

Protect Your Lips

Skin on the lips is thin and susceptible to sunburn. Sunburned lips can lead to dryness and cracking, which are uncomfortable and can also harbor bacteria leading to oral infections.

Consdier a lip balm with SPF protection. It can protect your lips the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.

Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups

You need your regular checkups for the best possible oral health. Your dentist can catch issues early on, such as cavities and gum disease, before they become severe. A professional cleaning also removes tartar build-up, which is not possible to remove with brushing and flossing alone.

If you haven't booked your next appointment yet, the beginning of spring or summer is a perfect time to do so. Contact us today!