Dental Health Care During Summer: Tips for a Healthy Smile

Summer is a time for vacations, outdoor activities and fun in the sun. But changes in season often come with changes in routine, foods and activities — all of which can affect your teeth. Here’s how to keep your smile sparkling all summer long. In general, try to:

• Stick to your dental hygiene routine
• Limit sugary summer treats
• Stay hydrated
• Protect your lips from the sun

Taking Care of Your Teeth While on Vacation If you’re jet-setting to far-off lands or even just a few states over, your dental care routine shouldn’t take a backseat. Schedule a dental checkup before a trip, especially if you have any concerns. Here are some other tips to care for your teeth even when you’re on the go.

1. Pack smart

Bring travel-sized essentials such as a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss and mouthwash, so you have everything you need to stick to your routine. Store your toothbrush in a clean, ventilated case to keep it dry. Consider adding some dental items such as dental wax and gauze to your emergency kit.

2. Be mindful of what you eat

Vacations often mean indulging in different foods. Try to balance sugary and acidic foods with healthier choices like crunchy fruits and vegetables, which naturally clean your teeth.

3. Use bottled water if necessary

If you’re traveling to a place where tap water isn’t safe to consume, remember to use bottled water to brush your teeth in addition to drinking to avoid exposure to harmful bacteria. Considerations for Youth Sports in Summer Summer is peak season for sports like baseball, soccer and basketball, but these can come with some risks to your kids’ teeth.

1. Wear a mouthguard

For contact sports, a custom-fitted mouthguard can prevent teeth from getting chipped, broken or knocked out. If your child doesn’t have one, visit us before the season starts to help reduce their risk of dental injuries.

2. Avoid sugary sports drinks

It’s important to stay hydrated while exerting yourself in the heat, but many sports drinks contain high amounts of sugar and acid, which can damage enamel. Look for water or electrolyte-rich drinks with no added sugar.

3. Be prepared for dental emergencies

Accidents happen. Here’s what to do in the event of a dental emergency.

• Chipped or broken tooth: Rinse the mouth with warm water and see a dentist as soon as possible.
• Knocked-out tooth: If you lose a permanent tooth, gently place it back in the socket or store it in milk and get emergency dental care immediately.
• Tooth pain and facial swelling: This could point to a tooth abscess, which is a serious dental infection that requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, an abscess can lead to serious complications, including systemic infection. Seek emergency dental care right away.
• Lost or loose dental crown or filling: If a crown comes off, try to temporarily place it back using denture adhesive or toothpaste (not glue!). If a filling falls out, place sugar-free gum or dental wax over the exposed tooth to protect it. Contact a dentist and ask to be seen as soon as possible.

Smart Back-to-School Dental Health Tips As summer winds down, make sure your child’s dental health is part of their back-to-school checklist.

1. Schedule a dental checkup

We recommend scheduling a dental visit before school starts to ensure your child’s teeth are in good shape. Many schools also require dental forms for registration.

2. Replace worn-out toothbrushes

The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months because the bristles wear down over time and aren’t as effective. Back-to-school season is a good reminder to take care of this task — like switching batteries in smoke detectors when daylight saving time begins and ends.

3. Pack healthy lunches and snacks

Fill lunchboxes with teeth-friendly foods like cheese, yogurt, crunchy vegetables and apples instead of sugary snacks and sticky candies.

4. Encourage consistent routines

Summer often disrupts bedtime and morning routines. As you acclimate your kids to new wake-up and bedtimes in preparation for school, reinforce good dental habits by ensuring they brush twice a day and floss daily. Whether you’re on vacation, playing sports or preparing for back-to-school season, follow these tips to help keep your teeth strong and your smile bright. If you haven’t had a recent dental checkup, call us at 785-539-5949 to schedule an appointment.