Summertime is a wonderful time of the year. Many families go on vacation, and kids and adults alike enjoy the longer daylight hours, as well as swimming, barbeques, and time with friends and family. With all this excitement, you may find that you aren’t being quite as diligent as you should be with your oral hygiene habits. If that’s the case, here are some oral health tips for summer.
Summer Tips for Oral Health
Drink water – Because you are outside more often during the summer, your body requires extra hydration, so drinking lots of water is essential. Water is the best choice to quench your thirst because other drinks, such as soda, lemonade, or sweet tea, can dehydrate you faster and contribute to tooth decay. Sugary drinks cause the bacteria in your mouth to form acid that can erode your teeth and cause cavities.
Limit certain foods – Not only can sugary drinks cause tooth decay, but many foods you may like to eat in the summer can also hurt your dental health. Sugary desserts like cake and ice cream should be limited, and acidic foods like citrus fruits and pickles can wear down your tooth’s enamel. Even dried fruits, which may seem healthy, contain a great deal of sugar and can negatively affect your oral health.
Protect your teeth and lips – During the summer, you are likely more active and playing outside more frequently, so wear a mouth guard to prevent injury. While you’re at it, use a lip protectant with sunscreen to decrease the chances of oral cancer.
Avoid chewing on ice – You may like to enjoy icy drinks in the summer, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you chew on the leftover ice, it can damage your tooth’s enamel, crack or chip your tooth, or damage your braces or dental fillings. Opt for a popsicle instead of an ice cube.
Visit your Fort Collins dentist – Summer is the perfect time to visit your dentist for a dental exam and cleaning. Since your kids aren’t in school, the entire family can benefit from a visit to the dentist.
Do You Need a General Dentist in Fort Collins, CO?
If you are looking for a caring, compassionate dental team, look no further than Ryan Rush, DDS. We look forward to helping you with all your dental needs. Please get in touch with our dental office at (970) 223-5393 to schedule a consultation or an appointment.