Summer time is made for smiles, but, as the dentists Cary NC patients trust most, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the oral health risks that come with the season. Between sporting activities, summer dryness and cookouts upon cookouts, some of our favorite dental activities can be extremely harmful to our oral health if we are not vigilant. Below are a few of the best summer tips from the best dentists Cary NC has to offer.
- Wear a mouthguard- After months of cold weather, you and your family members are probably anxious to get outside and run, jump and play. Be wary, however, of high contact sports that are popular in the summer months. The impact from a crash or fall can prove damaging and lead to chipped, cracked or even lost teeth, which will require the repair services of a Cary NC dentist.
- Be cautious when swimming- Between tangled hair, reddened eyes and all the other effects of swimming, you may not think very much about your teeth. However, chlorine from swimming pools can prove corrosive to tooth enamel. Make sure to gargle and rinse after a pool swim. Swimming in salt water, on the other hand, can actually be beneficial because salt water is a natural antiseptic that helps fight bacteria which can lead to tooth decay.
- Keep hydrated- Summer time leaves us thirsty, which can also leave our mouths dry. This is especially noticeable for our patients who have Invisalign in Cary NC. Our dentists in Cary NC always advocate for hydration. A dry mouth means less saliva, which can cause an increase in the bacteria that causes bad breath, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Furthermore, dehydration leads to dry, trapped lips. Sunburnt lips make it harder to show off your beautiful healthy smile.
- Enjoy summer snacking in moderation- Summer time is the season for ice cream and pie a la mode, and all the delicious sweets made at cookouts and picnics. You’ve probably heard all your life from Cary NC dentists like us that sweets can cause cavities. Remember it is best to limit your sweet intake and to eat them at specific periods, rather than eating them throughout the day. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for your saliva to neutralize the acid created by the sugar-loving bacteria in your mouth. Also, we love a cool summer lemonade as much as the next person. Therefore we recommend sipping through a straw to minimize the sugar and citric acid that comes in contact with your teeth.
- Brush and floss- Barbeque chicken, Carolina pulled pork, and sweet corn are all excellent summer cookout dishes. These dishes may stick to your ribs, but they don’t have to stick between your teeth. Remember to brush and floss regularly to avoid bacteria that causes tooth decay and periodontal disease.
As always, we have to advocate for one final tip: come see your dentists in Cary NC for a check-up twice a year. We at Alliance Dentistry are proud to serve the community with quality dental care for the whole family. And, if you follow these tips, your visit is more likely to be a quick and simple routine check-up to help you maintain that smile! Schedule an appointment today with Alliance Dentistry, the dentists Cary NC parents trust!