Follow These 5 Oral Health Tips for a Worry-Free Summer!

With summer here, you’re ready to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather and many adventures that await you. If you’re like most people, you’ll be going on vacation, but it’s still important to stay on top of your oral health. A dentist at Love Field says to prevent any mishaps, there are 5 simple tips that you should follow this summer. Continue reading to find out what they are!

#1 – Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking water is absolutely essential to maintaining a functioning and healthy body, as it helps to keep your organs, blood and tissue hydrated. Water also helps to produce saliva, which is of the utmost importance to your oral health. That’s because it aids in removing debris and bacteria from your mouth after you eat or drink. As a general rule, you should drink at least half your weight in ounces of water per day. For example, a 200-pound person would need to drink around 100 ounces of water daily to be properly hydrated.

#2 – Keep Some Mouthwash on Hand

When you’re traveling, time can go by fast, as you’re shuffling from one event to the next. As a result, dental hygiene can easily be overlooked. By keeping some mouthwash handy, you can perform an oral rinse after a meal and flush away some of the lingering debris. While this isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, it can get you by until you can get back to your hotel room or home to more effectively clean your teeth.

#3 – Be Careful with Carbonated Drinks

While you may be tempted to sip on a delicious, bubbly carbonated beverage, keep in mind that it contains acids that can wear down your tooth enamel (the hard-outer layer). If, on occasion, you treat yourself, it’s important to perform your normal dental hygiene routine afterwards. Just be sure to wait around 30 minutes to prevent any enamel damage.

#4 – Use a Straw

In addition to carbonated beverages, sugary and adult drinks can potentially cause havoc for your oral health. If you choose to indulge while on vacation, one way to limit the harsh effects is to use a straw, as it will limit the amount of contact the beverage will have with your teeth. It’s also a good idea to finish your drink as fast as possible to limit the number of bacteria gathering inside your mouth.

#5 – Eat More Fruit

During the summer, you can find a host of colorful and delicious fruits to try out. Inquire about the local delights and treat yourself to them. This is a great way to satisfy a sweet craving while limiting the harmful effects that processed sugar can have on your teeth and gums.

After working hard all year, your vacation serves as a welcomed time of relaxation and recuperation. By following these 5 summer oral health tips and maintaining regular visits to your dentist, you can protect your wonderful smile!

About the Practice

The dental professionals at Bear Creek Family Dentistry understand just how important it is to maintain excellent oral health throughout the summer. Thus, they encourage their patients to visit for a checkup and cleaning as the sunny months get underway. To learn more about their services or schedule an appointment, visit their website.