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Dental Tips for the Summer

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Summer means no school, vacations, picnics, pool parties, and many other fun opportunities. These breaks in routine are what make this time of year so special, but it can also cause good habits, like dental care, to falter. This summer, make sure you and your family keep your teeth and mouth healthy by following these tips:

  1. Brush twice daily, no exceptions! When you stay up late to see an outdoor movie or let the kids run around catching fireflies, it can be tempting to skip your normal nighttime dental care routine and head straight to bed. When those thoughts enter your head, give yourself a stern talking to and head to the bathroom. Once you’re there, brushing and flossing won’t seem like such an imposing task, and when the job’s complete, you can go to bed feeling proud of yourself.
  2. Keep a fully stocked dental travel kit. Whether you’re heading out of town for a week-long trip or just a quick getaway, having a separate set of dental care items makes packing much easier. Be sure to include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash to keep up your cleaning routine on the road.
  3. Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Between ice cream, popsicles, frozen drinks, and other sweet treats, teeth are exposed to much more sugar in the summer. Opt for less sugary options when possible, choosing naturally sweet items like fruit instead. Drink lots of water to wash bacteria from your teeth, and try to brush your teeth shortly after indulging in sweets whenever possible.
  4. Don’t chew on ice. An ice-cold drink really hits the spot on hot days, but be sure you only use ice to cool your drink and not as a snack on its own. The extreme hardness and cold temperature of ice can damage your teeth, leading to enamel weakening, chipping, cracking, and potentially even fractures. It can also cause problems with existing dental work.
  5. Keep your regularly scheduled dentist appointment. While days may be less structured in the summer, make attending your regularly scheduled dental appointment a priority. This will ensure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and that the dentist can examine your teeth and mouth. If your appointment falls while you’re on vacation, that’s ok! Simply call the office to reschedule. Many people will be in the same boat as you, so finding another appointment close to your original date is often easier.

Happy summer to all of our patients from the staff at Vacendak. Do your best to make good choices regarding oral health over the next few months. Need to schedule a cleaning? Contact Vacendak online or call us at (757) 609-3510.