With summer upon us and many of our favorite places and activities reopening and resuming, you’ll want to be sure to keep your mouth and teeth in great health for a beautiful healthy smile. Here are a dozen of our best recommendations!
Summer Foods and Drinks
- Drink enough water. Keep your mouth moist by drinking water throughout the day, and be sure to stay well-hydrated. The Mayo Clinic recommends 2.7 liters (that’s about 91 ounces) of water for adult women and 3.7 liters (about 125 ounces) of water for adult men each day. Drinking sufficient water also helps fight bad breath.
- Skip the bubbles. The acid in carbonated drinks, even in unsweetened and unflavored soda water, can wear down your enamel and raise the risk of dental erosion.
- For acidic drinks like coffee, use a straw if you can. This can help minimize teeth staining.
- Try unsweetened tea as a healthier alternative to sweetened tea. Even teas made with artificial sweeteners can lead to erosion problems due to their high acid content.
- Avoid chewing the ice in your drink. Chewing ice could damage your tooth enamel by causing it to crack, increasing your risk of tooth sensitivity, or—in extreme cases—fractured teeth.
Read our related article: Your Favorite Drinks: Superheroes or Foes?
- Keep a supply of fresh, mouth-healthy snacks available on hot days for everyone in the family. Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, strawberries, celery, and carrots can help keep the surface of your teeth clean. Calcium-rich dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt are also a good choice, as they will help keep your teeth strong. More details on mouth-healthy foods are here.
Summer fun
- School’s out, but sleep is in! Be sure your kids get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can sometimes lead to inflamed gums, making it easier for gum disease to develop.
- If you have a young athlete, ask us about a custom mouthguard.
- Have your teeth whitened for a dazzling smile in your summer photos!
- Avoid getting chlorinated water in your mouth if you’re swimming or playing in a pool. The chlorine can contribute to dental erosion.
Preventative Care
- Schedule a routine checkup and cleaning visit for everyone in the family.
- As always, floss your teeth daily! Whether you’ve enjoyed a summer barbecue, your regular taco night, or your favorite summer dessert, cleaning between your teeth is a must. For a quick flossing “how-to,” check out this 60-second video from the American Dental Association. Or read our detailed article on flossing, which includes advice on teaching your children to floss.
Your Winchester Dental team wishes you a safe and healthy summer!