Okay, we’re all excited about summertime – it’s easy to get distracted by ice cream cones and volleyball and forget about your teeth.
Here are my summertime tips for your teeth (and mouth)!
1.Your Teeth Are Not Tools
Many people feel that their teeth can substitute for tools and use them to open bottles, wrappers, and chew ice. Save yourself an emergency trip to our office for a broken tooth, and avoid this potentially unpleasant habit.
2. Use Mouth Guards During Sports
Wearing a mouth guard during your sports activities can easily protect your teeth. Mouth guards are fairly inexpensive and serve to ensure your teeth do not crack, chip or damage your lips, cheeks and gums in the event of an accident or foul while you are playing sports. We recommend having a custom fit mouth guard to provide the best possible comfort and protection for your teeth while playing summer sports.
3. Don’t Go Crazy On The Ice Cream, Slushies And Soda
Here’s where the downer dentist starts to come out, but it’s important you keep this in mind. I know summer and ice cream kind of go hand-in-hand but high volumes of sugars can cause cavities, plaque and loss of enamel if over consumed. Bacteria loves sugars and converts this into acids that can strip away the enamel of your teeth causing sensitivity issues. So keep the soda and ice cream cone consumption in-check and brush regularly after eating your summer treats.
4. Be Sure To Wear Lip Balm With An SPF Of At Least 15
Your lips are more susceptible to burning than most parts of your body, yet many people don’t think about protecting them from the sun. A quick application of lip balm will go a long way in protecting your lips from the sun’s harmful rays.