What’s on your to-do list this summer? Are you planning a family vacation to Disneyworld? How about spending your days soaking up some sun at the beach? No matter what you’ll be doing this summer, something to keep in mind is your oral health; there are actually quite a few summertime activities out there that could potentially harm your smile and derail your fun! Here are some of the activities and items that your dentist thinks you should be mindful of this summer.
Beware of Cold Treats and Sweet Drinks
During those hot summer days, nothing beats cooling off with a popsicle, sno-cone, or any other type of frozen treat. But these items can cause you pain if your teeth are sensitive to the cold! This hypersensitivity can stem from a variety of reasons, including cavities or exposed tooth roots. To alleviate this sensitivity, you can consider using a toothpaste that targets sensitive teeth. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush; just ensure that you brush gently. You should also avoid foods that could potentially chip or crack your teeth; hypersensitivity can also stem from these types of injuries.
Frozen treats aren’t the only summertime staples you should be mindful of; ice-cold Cokes, tall glasses of lemonade, and other sweet and carbonated drinks can be quite problematic too. These beverages are often very high in sugars and acids and can easily lead to tooth decay if consumed too frequently! Instead, opt for drinking water—water is the absolute best beverage for your whole body, including your oral health. You should also try not to sip your drinks constantly throughout the day; enjoy them within 15 or so minutes and then rinse your mouth with water.
Be Careful During Summer Games and Sports
Summer is the best time to enjoy the great outdoors and participate in many fun sports and games, but many of these activities can threaten your oral health if you aren’t careful! Be mindful of the following activities:
- Contact sports – Football, basketball, rugby and more all pose a risk of injury, but a mouth guard is an excellent option to help protect your mouth from serious trauma.
- Non-contact sports – Even sports like baseball, biking, and flag football, which aren’t traditionally considered “contact sports” can still pose a threat to your mouth whether it’s a foul ball, errant pass, or bad fall.
- Trampolining – If you fall off or hit the side of the trampoline, or if someone bounces into you, you could end up with a missing tooth or something worse!
- Swimming – Sometimes swimming in a pool with improper pH levels can damage your tooth enamel. A good rule of thumb is if your nose burns from the smell of the pool water, the pH level is probably too low.
Summer is meant to be enjoyed and sustaining an injury to your mouth will quickly bring your fun to a screeching halt. You should be mindful of certain items and activities and take measures to protect your smile when necessary.
About the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan received her dental doctorate from Temple University and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Association of Orthodontists and serves as the Vice President of the Georgia Association of Orthodontists. Her practice in Cumming is proud to offer a wide range of available services including pediatric, preventive, restorative, and emergency dentistry. To schedule a visit, you can contact Dr. Podray-Donovan online or by phone: (678) 456-5572.