While summer is perfect for spending time outdoors, it can also negatively affect your oral health. Hot and dry environments can damage teeth and surrounding tissues. Additionally, high humidity causes sweating, leading to dehydration and tissue problems. Here are a few tips on taking care of your teeth during this summer:
Maintain a routine
Whether you are visiting a friend or going on a camping trip, resist the temptation to skip brushing before bedtime & after waking up in the morning. Despite the eventful months ahead, always remember to brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. As brush can only clean certain surfaces of your teeth, make sure you floss at least once a day. Not flossing regularly can lead to plaque build-up and serious gum disease.
It is possible to prevent periodontal disease by brushing and flossing regularly, but it does not guarantee immunity. Other factors, such as ageing, smoking, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, family history, and medical conditions may lead to periodontal disease. Therefore, regular dental cleanings and checkups are a necessity to stop periodontal disease right on its track. Learn more about why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly.
Limit sugary drinks & snacks
People often enjoy a little snack or drink during summer sporting events, festivals, and community events as the weather gets warmer. Beat the heat by drinking water (fluoridated is even better), or have a glass of milk with your meal. As you spend more time at home, try to snack smarter and allow your kids to tell you when they are hungry instead of providing snacks throughout the day.
Use a straw when drinking acidic beverages to minimize contact with your teeth. Don’t savour the beverage too long, but rather finish it quickly instead of sipping slowly.
Use your teeth only for chewing
You can’t use your teeth as tools. A lot of people come into our office with broken or chipped teeth as a result of opening bottle caps, wrappers, bags, etc. with their teeth. Even though using your teeth may seem like a convenient and quick way of doing things, it can cause considerable damage. Don’t use your teeth for anything other than chewing food!
Reduce dental injuries with a mouthguard
A mouthguard helps prevent serious, costly injuries and they are worn by almost all professional athletes. A high-quality, custom-fit mouthguard is the best protection for a variety of outdoor activities, whether you are playing frisbee on the beach or volleyball in the pool.
Over-the-counter mouthguards can be cheaper but they are not as good as the custom-fitted ones. Your dentists can fit you with a mouthguard that is exactly right for you, providing greater protection during competitive summer sports.
If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and have questions regarding your oral health, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 416-321-3268. We are located on Markham Road and we welcome walk-ins.
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