This summer, you want to spend time relaxing, soaking up the sun, and traveling, not in your emergency dentist’s treatment chair. Habits like brushing your teeth consistently can go a long way in preventing that from happening. However, it’s important to take it a step further by learning which summer activities can be dangerous for your smile. Here are a few!
1. Participating in Summer Sports
Sports like beach volleyball are a great summer pastime. In addition to being great exercise, the time spent in the sun can leave you with a beautiful tan. Unfortunately, however, all it takes is one rogue ball or one rough tackle for a tooth to get shoved out of place or knocked out entirely. To prevent that from happening, it’s of the utmost importance that you wear a mouthguard each time you play!
2. Snacking
While snacking isn’t inherently harmful, it can wreak havoc on your teeth over time, especially if you’re opting for foods that are high in sugar. This summer, choose vitamin-rich options, like fresh fruit. Watermelon, kiwi, and pineapple are just a few snacks that will help keep you hydrated, satisfy your sweet tooth, and give your body the nutrients it needs to ensure your teeth stay healthy from the inside-out.
3. Indulging in Sugary Drinks
Freshly juiced lemonade and fizzy sodas are two summer staples that you’re sure to find at any picnic or BBQ. Unfortunately, they are often loaded with added sugar, which is a recipe for tooth decay. Although it’s certainly okay to indulge every now and again, it’s recommended that you use a straw when you do and stick to water the majority of the time.
4. Spending Too Much Time in the Pool
Whether you’re going to the pool to exercise or to simply escape the summer heat, it’s vital that you check the pH balance before jumping in. Ideally, it should be between 7.2 and 7.8. If it’s outside those parameters, then your teeth are vulnerable to enamel erosion.
5. Skipping Your Biannual Checkup and Cleaning
June means 2023 is halfway through. So, if you haven’t scheduled your first checkup and cleaning of the year, now is the time to do so! Remember, these biannual visits remove stubborn plaque, catch cavities in the early stages, screen for oral cancer, and so much more.
Note: if you have visited your dentist in the last six months but your second visit of 2023 isn’t on the calendar yet, now is the perfect time to schedule that as well!
About the Practice
If you’re in the Raleigh area, then you’ll be happy to know that our team at Rensch and Laster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is here to help with all of your dental needs, from routine preventive care to essential restorative dentistry. As a result, you can turn to the same familiar faces whether it’s time for your dental checkup or you knocked out a tooth while participating in a sport. If you want to learn more about how to protect your smile this summer, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team via our website or by phone!