3 Fun Summer Facts about Your Oral Health

Break out the grill and the pool toys because summer is finally here! This is great news for kids, teachers, and everyone who’s been dying for that beach vacation. Summer can be hard on your oral health though, so here are a few facts about your teeth to keep in mind as you start planning that backyard get together or packing for that long, overdue vacation.

Pick the Right Foods

There are a couple of staple foods that appear at every summer block party: burgers, corn on the cob, watermelon, and potato chips. If you care about your health (and the health of your guests), substitutions like carrots for potato chips are key. The starch in chips will stick to your teeth, allowing damaging bacteria to attack your tooth enamel, while the water in carrots will help wash away food particles. Stock your fruit trays with seedless choices like cantaloupe and grapes, and make sure to provide your guests with safe ways to remove pesky pieces of corn from their teeth, as toothpicks can inadvertently damage your gums.

Be Smart About Your Drinks

Hands down, water is your best choice of drink this summer. It’s the best choice to keep you cool and hydrated, it’s healthy, and it will help keep your teeth clean throughout the day. Carbonated drinks may taste better, but they’re filled with sugars and acids, the two greatest enemies of your teeth. You don’t have to give them up completely, but give your teeth a break from carbonation as often as possible. With that said, as much as sweet tea is a southern staple, the less sugar in your tea, the better off you will be. In general, tea is quite good for your oral health and for keeping you hydrated, but the more sugar it contains, the less healthy it is.

Don’t Break from Every Routine

Vacations help you get away from your everyday routine, but some routines, like brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, are beneficial to your overall health and could cause severe damage if you decide to throw them out the window for a week. So while you’re packing for your vacation, please remember to pack your toothbrush and floss, and send the kids off to camp with extras in their backpacks just in case.

Summer is an amazing time of year for kids and adults alike, so don’t let it be ruined with a dental emergency. Call Dr. Bruce Silva’s office now to make an appointment for a cleaning, and feel free to ask any questions you may have about the impact of summer foods and activities on your teeth. Dr. Silva and his staff are here to ensure that you can go off on your summer adventures with healthy teeth and a bright smile.