Oral Health Tips For Summer

Summer is full of fun outdoor activities like camping, hiking, swimming, and biking. These activities are not without their risks to your oral health, though. Oral health is a delicate balance of protecting your teeth with routine home and professional dental care while at the same time enjoying yourself and not worrying about your dental health. Here are some tips on how to make sure your dental health isn’t impacted by your summer fun.

Seal Out the Germs

We’re into June, which means that summer is in full swing. With the summer comes plenty of outdoor fun and activities – everything from hiking to swimming to camping. While all of these outdoor activities are fun, they also inevitably expose you to germs, bacteria, and other contaminants. To protect your oral health, make sure you’re properly protecting your mouth.

Replace Your Toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. However, this recommendation can vary. Consider replacing it sooner if it’s frayed, cracked, or stained.

Play it Safe with Sports

If you play sports, you should wear a mouthguard. And, if you’re a parent, you should insist that your child wears a mouthguard. Each year, thousands of injuries occur because of sports-related incidents. And, many of those are oral injuries. Mouthguards help prevent dental injuries, such as cracked, broken, or knocked-out teeth. The mouthguard should be worn during practice as well as for games.

Eat Wisely

Between the barbecues, parties, and vacations, summer tends to be one of the more indulgent seasons. While the occasional indulgence is perfectly fine, we recommend being mindful of your sugar intake.

Eating sugary foods increases your risk of cavities. Bacteria in your mouth feed on these sugars to produce acid. This acid is strong enough to dissolve your tooth enamel. If you’re craving something sweet, consider its healthier alternatives.

Avoid Chewing Ice

Ice cubes are refreshing, especially after a spicy meal. Unfortunately, chewing on ice cubes is not a good idea. Not only can ice damage your enamel, but it can cause your teeth to expand and crack. If you habitually chew on ice, talk to your dentist about habit correction.

Reduce Your Sugar Intake

Summer is a time for ice cream, popsicles, and juice. Unfortunately, all of those foods and drinks can have a negative effect on your oral health. Aside from causing cavities, they are also acidic, which wears down tooth enamel.

To keep your teeth safe, limit your consumption of sugary foods and drinks, and brush your teeth twice a day.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is important for many reasons, from preventing dry mouth to helping your body digest food. When you aren’t drinking enough water, your mouth can become dry and uncomfortable. If your mouth is dry, your saliva production slows, and your risk for tooth decay and gum disease increases.

While water is the best beverage for your mouth, it is still a good idea to drink other beverages in moderation. Soda, juice, sweet tea, and coffee can all damage your teeth. Try to drink water with meals and avoid beverages that can stain your teeth.

If you wish to learn more about tips that can help you maintain your oral and overall health, visit Dental Health PC at 869 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330. Call us at (541) 757 1829 to book an appointment. We will be happy to help you further.