With summer such a short season in our neck of the woods, we are all in favor of following New England native and celebrated author Ralph Waldo Emerson’s advice: “Live in the sunshine, swim in the seas, drink the wild air.”
As dental professionals, however, we have a couple of caveats. While summer should be all about sunshine, outdoor fun, and sweet treats, it can also bring a few unexpected risks for your smile.
Without putting a damper on the season, here are a few things we encourage our patients (adults and kids alike!) to watch out for.
Don’t skip the mouthguard, sports fans!
Whether your child is playing baseball, riding a skateboard, or diving into summer soccer leagues, a properly fitted mouthguard is a must. Sports-related dental injuries are more common than you’d think; in fact, some studies estimate approximately 32% of all dental traumas are sports-related. The good news is many are preventable by routinely wearing a well-fitted mouthguard.
Pool water can be problematic.
Swimming is a great way to stay active, but did you know that frequent exposure to chlorinated pool water can wear down your enamel? Now, we assume you’re not an open-mouth swimmer; however chlorine is also a critical component used to kill bacteria in drinking water. While tap water likely won’t erode your enamel, the point is too much exposure to chlorine can negatively impact your teeth over time.
If you spend a lot of time in chlorinated water, whether that means soaking in a hot tub or regularly crushing laps in a local swimming pool, especially in pools with improperly balanced pH, be sure to rinse your mouth with fresh water afterward and keep up with regular checkups to catch signs of erosion early.
Be smart about sweet treats.
Summer isn’t complete without a popsicle (or two), but sticky, sugary snacks can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay. Of course, you can avoid the downside of a delicious popsicle by opting for sugar-free brands. Whichever type you choose, make it a habit to rinse with water afterward and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to protect enamel. As with most things in life, balance and moderation is the name of the game.
Here are a few other summertime treats we suggest skipping for healthier teeth!
Flex a strong smile this summer!
A good rule of thumb to protect your smile this summer is to keep consistent with brushing and flossing. That’s the bottomline. In addition, be sure to wear a mouthguard for contact sports, and drink plenty of water, which will also help you fend off dehydration during the dog days of summer.
Remember, summer is short in New Hampshire, so make the most of every moment. When you need expert dental care from “Concord’s friendliest dentist,” request an appointment or contact us!
