Top tips for summer dental health

Summer is a great time for getting out and about and we know many of our patients will be going away. If a vacation is coming up fast, then make sure you are up-to-date with your dental checkups and cleanings, particularly if you have a niggling sensation that something is wrong with one of your teeth. Getting treatment beforehand will reduce your chance of a dental emergency while you are a way, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy every minute of your hard-earned trip away.

Regardless of whether you are going away or focusing your quality time at home, summer dental health can be an issue for many people. Here are a few simple things you can do to ensure your teeth remain healthy during summer.

• Avoid sugary drinks. Even if you normally avoid sugar-laden drinks, they can seem a tempting option when you want a treat on a hot summer’s day. Instead, choose unsweetened ice-tea or another refreshing sugar-free beverage to quench your thirst without harming your teeth or your waistline.
• Resist the temptation to snack. Meal patterns often change during the summer and snacking and grazing on foods can become the norm for a few weeks at least. If you do need to snack, try to opt for tooth-friendly foods like cheese and fresh crunchy fruits and veggies. We’d prefer it if you avoided foods that are very acidic or are likely to stick to your teeth until you get a chance to clean them, as this increases your risk of tooth enamel erosion and ultimately your risk of tooth decay.
• Make the most of summer fruits and veggies. Summer produce can be amazing and is packed full of nutrients to keep your body and your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Try to include lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and local farmer’s markets are always a fun way to try locally produced produce, often just a few hours after it has been picked. You could even go one better and try your hand at growing your own.
• Make sure you stay well-hydrated. You need to have plenty of fluids to produce saliva which is essential for keeping your mouth fresh and clean. Without saliva, you are more likely to suffer from gum disease and tooth decay as saliva helps to wash away excess bacteria and food particles. Fresh water is the very best way to stay hydrated, so make sure you drink plenty particularly if you play sports or are out and about enjoying the sun.
• Protect your teeth during sports. We do see quite a few sports injuries each year at Chatham Dental Centre and at least some could have been minimised or perhaps even avoided had a mouthguard been worn. If you love playing the type of sports where a blow to the mouth is a risk, ask us about custom-fitted sports mouthguards. Unlike those mouthguards you can buy over-the-counters, a custom-made mouthguard is actually comfortable to wear and won’t hinder breathing. Instead, it will provide maximum protection for your teeth and jaws so that if you do take a knock then the impact will be cushioned and the risk of serious injury greatly reduced.

Above all, enjoy the summer!