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Summer vacation is nearly here! This means that your kids will have no school, the days will be longer, and you will have all sorts of exciting, warm weather activities ready for your family! However, this isn’t necessarily the best time of year for your smile. There are all sorts of different activities that can be harmful for your oral health. It is important to protect your smile more than ever. Continue reading to learn about a few summer treats that are harmful for your oral health.

• COLD REFRESHMENTS

When the weather becomes hot, it makes sense to drink more liquids to cool off. Your shopping list will become filled will all sorts of beverages like, lemonade, sweet tea, and soda. You may even enjoy a frozen piña colada or margarita with friends on a warm afternoon. The issue is that these drinks contain a lot of sugar that bacteria in the mouth feed off of. Water is the best thing for you to drink. If you want something else, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterwards.

• COOL TREATS

You might already enjoy them year-round. Whether you prefer popsicles, ice cream, or slushies, your teeth will be paying the price. Colder treats can cause you to experience pain if you have sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by several different reasons, including cavities, cracks, or exposed tooth roots. In order to prevent some of these issues, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently. Stay away from foods and beverages that are acidic because they increase sensitivity. If you experience sensitivity, talk to your dentist. They can help you get to the root of the problem.

• OUTDOOR SPORTS

It is an excellent idea to get outside and stay active, but if you are involved in contact sports, you are at increased risk of oral injuries. To stay out on the field safely, ask your dentist about a mouthguard. This way, you can keep your mouth safe against dental injuries.

• SWIMMING

If you like to swim during the summer months, you should be aware that improper pH levels can damage your tooth enamel. Check your pool’s pH levels with test strips to ensure that they are between 7.2 and 7.8. This way, you can swim safely!

You have all sorts of fun plans for the summer, but you shouldn’t neglect your smile. By seeing your dentist for checkups regularly and taking precautions to keep your oral health in good shape, this will be a summer to remember!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan earned his dental doctorate at New York University College of Dentistry and attends continuing education courses to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. He completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Long Island University Hospital. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Austin, visit his website or call (512) 361-4288.