Like most people, you’ve probably been facing some challenges in the last few months. Maybe your finances are a little shaky, or you’re stressing over events happening across the world. Whatever the case, you feel ready for a deeply relaxing summer trip. Surely you can take some time off and leave your responsibilities behind, right?
Well, yes and no — you should keep practicing good oral hygiene if you want real fun in the sun. To help you do that, here are four summer oral health tips from your dentist in Crown Point!
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s easy to get hot and sweaty on summer trips, so remember to drink water! Not only will it hydrate you, but it’ll also improve your breath and wash away harmful bacteria. Getting rid of said bacteria is particularly important, since you could get sores or mouth infections otherwise.
As an example, tap water would be especially good to drink. Because it contains fluoride, it is well-known for strengthening enamel and makes teeth decay resistant.
Avoid Soda
It’d be good if you could find substitutes for soda. After all, carbonated drinks can wear down your enamel. If you do drink soda, though, reduce its contact with your teeth by using a straw and finishing it quickly. You could also have tea if you’re craving a water alternative, as the former contains compounds that suppress harmful bacteria.
Protect Your Lips
Most know that a summer sun can irritate sensitive skin and apply sunscreen accordingly. However, did you know that your lips can get sun damage too?
Because they have thinner skin and contain less melanin, lips are particularly vulnerable to drying out and cracking. As such, apply a lip balm with an SPF rating of 30 or more to keep your lips safe from excess sunlight.
Stick to Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Try not to be lax in your teeth cleaning during your vacation. Remember: Brush at least twice daily with a good brand of toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. Otherwise, plaque and leftover food particles can cause enamel loss, gum disease, or worse. For extra insurance, you should also rinse with mouthwash following your meals.
Your vacation won’t be stress-free if you end up with a dental emergency. That said, remember these tips so your summer won’t be a bummer!
About the Practice
Advanced Dental Concepts is based in Crown Point, IN. Headed by Drs. Hayes, Mousa, and Harmon, the practice is committed to providing patients with the highest level of dental care. Ranging from family and cosmetic dentistry to orthodontics and dental implants, their team’s personalized treatments can help anyone achieve a picture-perfect smile. They also accept all PPO insurance providers to maximize patient insurance coverage. For more information or to book an appointment, they can be reached at their website or by phone at (219)-663-6878.