The sun is shining, glorious warm weather abounds, and we’re finally winning the COVID battle!! Summer get-togethers with friends and family will be aplenty, while ice cream, hot dogs, s’mores and more will be going into your mouth! Thoughts of brushing and flossing may not be at the top of your to-do list—but if you want strong, healthy teeth, make sure you incorporate these dental health tips into your summer routine.
- Don’t chew ice (or hard candy). As temperatures soar, chewing on ice may sound pretty appealing. Unfortunately, Crunching on ice can crack or chip your teeth. Instead, allow the ice to dissolve in your mouth, or just drink plenty of ice-cold water. Avoid chewing hard candy or nuts in the shell—they too can harm your teeth.
- Your teeth are not a bottle opener. It may have been a fun party trick in college, but you should never use your teeth as a bottle opener. At best, it will weaken the enamel on the edges of your teeth. At worst, you could crack a tooth, necessitating a root canal. That’s no one’s idea of summer fun.
- Fruit, veggies and water are your friends. Consider eating fruit and vegetables along with hamburgers, hot dogs, pies, and potato salad! Balancing rich, vibrant-colored fruit and vegetables with summer-time favorites will be good for your teeth and waistline. Don’t forget to wash it all down with plenty of ice-cold water.
- Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste and floss for overnight trips. Dental health never takes a vacation. If you’re going away for a night or week, make sure to pack a simple oral health toolkit complete with toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. Floss picks are particularly convenient when you’re on the go.
- Opt for clear beverages. Don’t stain your teeth while enjoying fun in the sun—try to drink clear beverages that have a lower sugar content. Of course, if you can’t live without your coffee, just remember to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with plenty of water afterward.
- Cut alcohol’s acid content with cheese. Summer holiday celebrations often include plenty of alcohol. While we would never tell you to avoid a cold margarita or glass of wine by the pool, remember that alcohol contains a lot of acid. Acid eats away at your tooth enamel, which can exacerbate dental problems. Luckily, there’s a delicious solution: eat more cheese! Cheese is alkaline, which neutralizes the acid in your alcoholic beverage. (Don’t forget to brush and floss after the party’s over.)
- Schedule a dental checkup at Fioritto Dental! Be sure to schedule your next dental health checkup and cleaning as soon as possible!