Hacks to Help You Maintain a Healthy Summer Smile
Everyone knows that a perfect, healthy smile is the ultimate summer accessory. Not only will a healthy smile help you feel more confident in your appearance, but it can also promote healthy habits throughout your life. Unfortunately, maintaining a healthy summer smile might be harder than it seems, especially when 32% of people are already concerned about the look of their teeth.
If you’re one of the many people looking to improve the appearance of your smile this summer, try these simple hack to promote whiter teeth and a more radiant smile.
Floss, floss, floss
You hear it all the time from your family dentist, but the importance of flossing cannot be understated, especially when you’re indulging in the sweet treats associated with summer. If you’re not getting those sticky or sweet foods out from between your teeth, you will be at an increased risk for cavities. Paired with the acidic summer fruits and vegetables you’ve been craving, your teeth need extra help at this time of year.
Don’t shirk your routine
The easiest hack for summer doesn’t involve sacrificing your favorite foods or buying expensive products; in fact, the best thing you can do is stick to the same routine you’ve always had.
Summer is known for its long days and even longer nights. When you’re out enjoying the summer sun or splurging on a summer vacation, it can be easy to forget to brush your teeth at the end of a long day. You might even find that you’ve missed your appointment with your family dentist when the season is over. Simply remembering to brush and floss twice per day can do wonders when it comes to preserving your smile.
When you want to maintain a bright smile, sticking with your regular oral hygiene routine is pivotal in ensuring a healthy smile all summer long.
Up your water intake
During the heat of summer, it’s only natural to drink more water than usual. However, drinking more water is also vital in promoting your oral health. The sugary treats and abrasive acids can wreak havoc on your teeth, but drinking more water with your meals will help dilute some of the worst effects of your food.
Just be sure to avoid drinking water that’s too cold or paired with ice. Family dentists note that chomping down on these hard minerals can promote tooth cracking and tooth pain. Meanwhile, ice cold water can pose a threat to sensitive teeth. Try to drink water that’s closer to room temperature or opt for a straw if you can’t help but chew ice when you reach the end of your drink.
Limit your time in the pool
Did you know that frequent swimmers are more likely to suffer from oral health issues? This is because of the harsh chemicals that are used to keep pools clean. It’s not uncommon for members of a swim team to suffer from heightened levels of calcium deposits on their teeth because of the minerals present in your pool. While this typically occurs in swimmers that stay in the pool for hours on end, you should be sure to monitor your oral health whenever you take a dip in the pool.
Wear a mouthguard
Warmer weather means that everyone is itching to go outside and play. Whether you’re participating in a sports team or not, it’s vital that you protect your teeth while performing certain sports.
For example, football and soccer are two common summer sports that involve high impact between players. It’s not uncommon for players of this sport to need dental implants or bridges when they play for extended periods of time. Before stepping out onto the field, be sure to buy a properly fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth from physical injuries.
But even individual recreational activities can pose a threat to your oral health. Activities like skating and mountain biking are two summer activities that often fly under the radar. Even experienced athletes might run into problems as they traverse a new terrain this summer. Be sure to pad your body and protect your mouth with the proper gear so you don’t have to pay for cosmetic dentistry this summer.
These are just some of the top hacks you can use to improve your oral health this summer. When you’re looking for the best family dentist to assess your oral health, rely on Railroad Dental Associates today.