Keep Your Smile Healthy During Your Summer Vacation with These Tips

Summer is one of the most popular seasons to travel. With the beautiful weather and a more relaxed work/school schedule, it’s not hard to see why! However, the last thing you want is for your fun in the sun to result in cavities come fall. To help prevent that from happening, keep reading for a few summer oral health tips to keep in mind while enjoying your much-deserved time off.

#1. Drink Plenty of Water

When the temperature heats up, it can be oh-so-tempting to reach for a bubbly glass of soda. However, the sugar in beverages like these turns into enamel-eroding acid when they hit your mouth, which significantly increases your risk of tooth decay. Therefore, it’s best to stick with water. Not only will this drink keep you hydrated, but it will also wash away food particles and debris throughout the day!

#2. Don’t Skip Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Some summer activities, like canoeing around the lake, can be downright exhausting. As a result, you may want to jump under your covers and doze off as soon as you get home. However, you should always complete your oral hygiene routine first. Make sure to brush for two full minutes, floss, and rinse with mouthwash. That way, the bacteria in your mouth aren’t left alone to wreak havoc on your teeth as you sleep.

#3. Keep Sugar-Free Gum On Hand

If you have a full day of site-seeing planned or are going to be out on a boat all afternoon, then it may not be realistic to bring all of your dental care tools with you. Fortunately, you can opt for the next best thing: sugar-free gum. Chewing on a piece after your meal will not only provide you with minty-fresh breath, but it will also encourage saliva production, rinsing away remaining food particles that could’ve otherwise caused damage to your teeth and gums.

#4. Schedule Your Dental Checkup and Cleaning

It may be hard to believe, but 2021 is already halfway over! So, if you haven’t scheduled your first dental checkup and cleaning of the year, then now is the time to do so. If you have, then make sure your second one is on the calendar. Remember, these routine appointments are essential to keeping your teeth happy and healthy throughout the years.

Before long, fall will be here. Before that happens, plan a relaxing staycation or exciting trip abroad to enjoy your much-deserved time off. Just make sure to keep the above tips in mind to keep your smile healthy throughout the season!

About the Author

Since earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Tufts University, Dr. Laura Philipps has spent her days helping her patients achieve healthier lives through top-tier dentistry. To continue to provide those in her treatment chair with the absolute best care, she is committed to continuing education. In fact, she has undergone advanced training at world-renowned institutes, like the Pankey Institute and KOIS Center. If you would like to learn more about taking care of your smile from home or want to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit her website or give her a call at 432-570-4433.