Six Mistakes To Avoid That Are Particularly Hard On Dental Health During The Summertime
Posted on: 18 May 2018
For many, the summer months are the most enjoyable part of the year. Summer is time for exciting vacation trips and time off from school and work. However, it's important not to lose sight of your oral health in all the fun and festivities.
The following are six mistakes to avoid that can be particularly hard on dental health during the summer months:
Not putting enough thought into protecting your teeth when participation in athletic activities
Many people- especially kids- participate in a lot more outdoor athletic activities in the summer months.
It's important to avoid injuries to the mouth and teeth by wearing a mouthguard when it's appropriate. It's also important to make a conscious effort to protect the mouth and head during activities like contact sports to stay healthy.
Drinking too much soda
Summer is a time for cookouts and parties. However, it's important that you don't get carried away with the soda drinking while you're enjoying summertime socializing. Carbonated drinks like soda contain acid as well as sugar and are very hard on the teeth.
Failing to stay properly hydrated
You need to drink more water in the summertime because the temperature is higher and you're likely to be more active.
Being properly hydrated helps to keep bacteria that cause plaque at bay because it washes bacteria away. Adequate hydration also ensures adequate saliva production in the mouth, and saliva is responsible for cleansing the teeth and replenishing them with minerals.
Not using a straw when you're drinking acidic beverages
If you do drink sodas or other acidic beverages, it's best to use a straw. When you drink with a straw, the beverage is channeled right to the back of your mouth and has only minimal contact with your teeth.
Always choosing bottled water rather than tap water
While drinking bottled water is fine, you should try to work some tap water into your hydration routine as well. Tap water is fluoridated, and drinking fluoridated tap water can help to keep you enamel strong and prevent cavities.
Forgetting to pack oral hygiene care supplies on overnight trips
If you're going to be going away on a lot of overnight trips this summer, make sure you always pack all of your oral hygiene supplies.
You should include a brush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash among your oral hygiene supplies. Getting in the habit of skipping brushing because you're away will take its toll on your teeth over time.
Contact a dentist, like Dr. Peggy Alvarez-Penabad, for more help.
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