As summer comes to a close, people are taking advantage of the sun, the water, and the warm weather. Of course, there are always a lot of health-related precautions to take during the summer. We are advised to use sunscreen to prevent sunburn and lower the chance of developing skin cancer. The elderly are warned about the risks of heat stroke when stifling heat and inadequate air conditioning combine. Additionally, your dentist in Greenville, NC, might caution you to be careful with what you eat or drink if you have sensitive teeth.

Oral health describes the condition of the mouth, teeth, gums, and other oral structures. It includes the absence of oral diseases and problems and the preservation and upkeep of the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues’ healthy function and aesthetics.  

Regular dental care, such as brushing and flossing, and a healthy diet and way of life are necessary for good oral health. Since poor oral health has been related to several major health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer, it is crucial for general health and well-being.  

WHAT TO DO DURING THE SUMMER  

Skip the Barbeques  

Increased alcohol consumption and the use of sticky, frequently sweet marinades for grilled meat can have a negative effect on your smile. It doesn’t take much to figure out that if sugars and sticky bacteria aren’t removed from your teeth, they will stay there and begin to cause decay.

You can do a few things to reduce the risk until you brush your teeth. And it’s always bet to limit the consumption. But if you do have some of the more “harmful” food, make an effort to drink some water afterward. This will help wash some of the sticky food off your teeth and gum line, particularly where it gets stuck between your teeth.  

Before spitting or swallowing, give the water a good swirling in your mouth. Finally, remember to clean and floss your teeth thoroughly before bed, even if you are exhausted or have had too much to drink. It is never a good idea to sleep with sauces and marinades that are stuck to your teeth for several hours!  

Skip the Alcohol  

When it’s summer, nothing appeals to us more than a nice cold drink. Manufacturers of alcoholic beverages have undoubtedly taken notice of this as well. But even though it might seem tempting, drinking a cool pint of lager or cider when you’re thirsty can be counterproductive.  

Alcohol, as we all know, causes you to become dehydrated, so the effect of that initial “cold hit” will quickly wear off (and in this heat, it won’t stay cool for very long, and warm beer will not leave a cooling effect). In light of the weather, it is advised that you try to limit your alcohol consumption if at all feasible. If this is not possible, make sure to drink lots of water, perhaps alternating it with alcoholic beverages. Aside from not getting a migraine in the morning, your oral health will also thank you if you keep yourself hydrated.  

Accidents caused by drinking too much alcohol also carry an increased danger. Unfortunately, this may lead to cracked or knocked-out teeth, necessitating emergency dental treatment at your neighborhood dental office.  

Keep Hydrated to Prevent Dry Mouth  

This is a really simple and all too often the issue. After consuming alcohol in the evening, many of us will experience waking up with a dry mouth. However, this can also occur throughout the day, especially in hot weather.  

A dry mouth not only causes an uncomfortable sensation but also promotes the growth of potentially hazardous germs in the mouth. Your gums can also be harmed by these bacteria, which increases the risk of tooth decay by attacking the enamel of your teeth. Gum disorders like gingivitis and periodontitis are more likely to develop if you don’t consume enough liquids and become dehydrated.  

Even though most people drink some water only if they start to feel thirsty, especially in really hot weather, we should start drinking much earlier, even if we’re not thirsty. Make sure to hydrate yourself with water frequently during the day and as much as you feel comfortable before bed.  

Moreover, see to it that you bring water with you if you go out during the sweltering part of the day to prevent dehydration and the onset of sickness.  

Never Skip Your Dental Appointment  

Since summer is a season when most people go on vacation, it can be a bit challenging to push through with your dental appointment. If you think it can wait, it can’t. If you stop going to your biannual dental appointment or exams, you may eventually experience oral health issues. Prioritize your appointment with the dentist before starting your summer.  

Always Remember to Brush Your Teeth  

When life is simple and stress-free, like in the summer, we often appear to let many things slide. Sometimes, rituals or practices that are a part of our daily lives appear less significant. However, brushing and flossing are year-round practices with significant advantages and should never be forgotten.    

Your breath will stay fresh if you brush your teeth. We are all aware of the consequences of having bad breath, especially if our jobs require us to interact with people frequently. You should clean your teeth for at least two minutes each time, at least twice a day. Make sure to brush every tooth while keeping a 45-degree angle. Moreover, brushing your tongue will help prevent bad breath. Brushing your tongue will ensure minimal bacteria buildup because your tongue is among the common areas in your mouth where bacteria lurk.  

Gum disease and tooth decay prevention are the most significant factors you must focus on. When you eat, the food begins to break down in your mouth, which results in plaque-like bacteria growing on your teeth and in your mouth. If this plaque is left on your teeth, it will gradually begin to destroy them, and when it becomes stuck there and below the gum line, it can lead to gum disease. Bone loss around the teeth and tooth loss from gum disease are both eventual outcomes.  

Avoid Ice Cream  

Cool, energizing, but high in sugar treats, such as an ice cream, can lead to tooth damage. Hence, it’s always important to be careful what you eat when you enjoy it during the summer.  

Never Nibble on Ice

Same as ice cream, you should also avoid nibbling on ice. If you chew on the ice at the end of every icy beverage, even a glass of ice water, it can hurt your mouth. This behavior puts your teeth under a lot of strain over time, which can result in damaged enamel and fractured teeth. With this, it’s best that you allow the ice to melt rather than nibbling on it.  

Prioritize Drinking Water

Don’t rely on alternatives to water. Although it’s preferable to hydrate your body with water, we frequently drink something else in the summer. While beverages like beer, soda, lemonade, and other liquids may be quite refreshing at first, they are also very sweet and acidic. They can also damage tooth enamel.  

Even though diet drinks don’t include sugar, they are acidic and can still be damaging to your teeth. Reduce your soda, beer, and juice intake, drink more water, wash your teeth and rinse your mouth more frequently.  

Why is drinking water, instead of the alternatives, crucial? Dehydration can lead to dry mouth and reduced saliva production. Always remember that your saliva is your friend. It aids in preventing plaque and bacterial growth that can lead to foul breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Even the prevention of dental diseases and tooth enamel restoration are aided by saliva. It resembles a miraculous potion. Your mouth will appreciate you if you drink water all summer long.  

Put on a Mouthguard  

Even if you or your children aren’t participating in any summer sports this year, it’s a good idea to wear a correctly fitted mouthguard to guard against oral injuries while exercising. That includes having a good time in the pool! It pays to be careful because a slip or fall could lead to a fractured or missing tooth.  

Always Have Lip Balm on Hand  

Don’t hesitate to use this amazing product. Remember to cover your lips with sunscreen or lip balm the next time you go outside. It will prevent your lips from becoming dry, and one with an SPF of 15 or higher will shield them from the sun’s harmful rays. Moreover, the skin surrounding your mouth is particularly susceptible to heat and sunburn because it is so delicate and thin.  

Use a Water Flosser  

Maintaining your regular flossing routine while on the road or participating in outdoor sports can be difficult. Even while you’re on the run, a water flosser can assist in making it simpler for you to clean between your teeth and along your gum line.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH A DENTIST IN GREENVILLE, NC  

Remember that excellent habits and routine dental treatment are both necessary for achieving good oral health. You can help keep your smile healthy and radiant all summer long by following these recommendations. Give us a call!