Look Out! 5 Summer Activities That Can Harm Your Smile

By Author: Michael Kotopka
Total Articles: 55
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The weather is heating up, the grass is green, and the flowers are blooming; summer is almost here! Whether you have plans to travel abroad or stay local, it’s of the utmost importance that you protect your smile every step of the way. After all, the last thing you want is for your summer fun to turn into a stressful trip to your emergency dentist’s office. Don’t worry – you can help prevent that from happening with these five best practices.
1. Participating in Summer Sports
Do your summer plans include sports like volleyball, soccer, and cheer? If so, you should wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Although this may seem inconvenient at first, it’s crucial to remember that few things are more inconvenient than having to drop everything to head to your emergency dentist’s office to treat a cracked, chipped, or knocked-out tooth.
Bonus tip: opt for a mouthguard from your dentist instead of one from your local sporting goods store. Since they aren’t custom-made for you, they can be a choking hazard if you aren’t careful!
2. Swimming in the Pool
Simply put, chlorine can throw ...
... off the pH balance in your mouth. So, if your summer plans include lots of time in the pool, then make sure to keep your mouth closed underwater. It’s the best way to prevent enamel erosion and dental discoloration!
3. Sipping on Sugary Drinks
From mouth-puckering lemonade to fizzy soda, many summer staples are loaded with sugar. Since this ingredient is one of the biggest culprits of cavities, it’s best to indulge in them moderately. Instead, opt for a refreshing glass of ice-cold water. In addition to keeping you hydrated, it has zero sugar, it can help rinse away food particles from your mouth, and it won’t stain your teeth!
4. Chewing on Ice Cubes
Speaking of ice-cold water, do you often find yourself chewing on ice on a hot summer’s day? Although it may feel refreshing, it’s best to kick this unhealthy dental habit. After all, it only takes one time for your teeth to give instead of the ice, potentially fracturing your tooth in the process. If you enjoy a really cold glass of water, then try placing it in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand. It will give you the same refreshing feeling without the danger of damaging a tooth.
5. Skipping Your Biannual Dental Visit
Your six-month checkups and cleanings with your dentist benefit your oral health tremendously. In addition to catching cavities in the early stages, these visits are dedicated to screening for oral cancer, checking for signs of gum disease, removing built-up tartar, and so much more. If you haven’t visited your dentist yet this year, then summer is the perfect time to get your appointment on the calendar!
Summer days are meant to be spent outside, not inside your dentist’s office handling a dental emergency. So, do your best to keep the above best practices in mind this summer, your smile will be happy you did!