3 Ways to Protect Your Teeth This Summer

Summer means a lot of different things to different people. Some people immediately think of barbecues, while others think of long days spent lounging in the pool. For dentists, however, it’s hard not to think about the unique challenges that people’s oral health can face this time of year.

If you’re wondering about the things you may need to watch out for this summer, here are a few tips for how to protect your oral health as temperatures start to rise.

Steer Clear of Sticky Sweets

One of people’s favorite things about summer is the food, and something that people of all ages tend to look forward to is ice cream. This and other summer sweets are worth indulging in occasionally—however, it’s a good idea to be sure you’re not overdoing it.

Too many sweets can put you at an increased risk of developing tooth decay or gum disease. The occasional snow cone is fine, just be sure to follow them up with a thorough brushing.

Watch for Dehydration

When temperatures start to rise, it’s more important than ever to drink as much water as possible. If you aren’t careful, you could wind up severely dehydrated.

This spells trouble for your health in general, but it can cause problems for your teeth in particular. If you’re dehydrated, that can make it hard for your mouth to generate enough saliva. This saliva is ordinarily the mouth’s natural cleanser, and without it, your mouth isn’t going to be able to break down and wash away food particles. That can put you at risk for oral health problems.

Be Ready for Aquatic Emergencies

There’s nothing better than spending a day at the pool with your family, but public pools are actually where most summer dental emergencies happen. For one, slipping and falling while running at the pool can cause your child to chip a tooth, as can accidentally running into the pool wall.

But the biggest risk comes from other people. Children flailing around or suddenly coming up from the water can bump into you or your family members, even damaging your teeth if you’re unlucky.

For that reason, you should encourage your family to follow all of the pool’s rules closely. You may also want to get your children goggles that can allow them to see underwater, reducing the risk that they’ll accidentally bump into something.

About the Author

Dr. Zack Walker is the child of two dentists, and he always admired how his parents were able to make an impact on the lives of their patients. Now as a dentist himself, he’s happy at any opportunity to do the same. Dr. Walker received his doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, and he has completed the Advanced Education in General Dentistry program through the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine.

If you have any questions about preventive care, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (336) 993-3727.