3 Tips To Help Protect Your Smile Throughout The Summer
Summer is often most people's favorite time of year. It is the perfect time of year to enjoy warm weather and sun, but it is often the time of year when you can experience dental injuries and dental problems. If you aren't paying close attention and being extra cautious, summer activities and foods can harm your teeth. For that reason, you need to be equipped with the following tips for your oral protection:
Tip #1: Rinse After Swimming.
After you go swimming in a chlorinated pool, you probably take the time to take a quick shower. However, your body isn't the only thing that you need to rinse off. You should also rinse the inside of your mouth. This is because chlorine is considered acidic, which means it can cause your mouth to dry out. So, if you are spending extended periods of time in a chlorinated swimming pool, you should rinse it out after you get out to help prevent the risk of your teeth suffering from acid erosion. You should also try to keep your mouth closed while swimming.
Tip #2: Floss After Backyard BBQs.
There are so many foods that you will indulge in during the summer that you won't enjoy during other months – well, you might, but you won't enjoy them in the same way. For example, during the summer months, you will grill hot dogs, steaks, corn on the cob, etc. – all of which that can leave food particles behind in between your teeth. If left there, they can lead to irritation, infection and decay. So, make sure that you floss after each BBQ to ensure those tiny pieces of food are removed.
Tip #3: Protect Your Smile.
Since the weather is warmer, you are going to want to spend more times outdoors participating in sports and other outdoor-related activities. This may mean longboarding, riding bikes, kayaking, playing contact sports (like volleyball, soccer and football) – all of which puts you at serious risk of dental injury. If you plan to engage in any of these or anything similar, it is important that you wear a mouthguard. While these can be purchased over-the-counter, it is recommended that you get one from your dentist so that it is customized to fit your individual mouth for the utmost protection.
If you follow the aforementioned tips, you will be well on the way to a far more enjoyable summer and you will hopefully avoid having to make an emergency visit to your family dentist's office. However, if an emergency occurs or you simply need to schedule your semi-annual visit, get in touch with a dentist, such as Olson, Brant N DDS PA, as soon as possible.