Summer is a time to relax and have fun, but let’s not let it get in the way of dental health. Having a strong, healthy smile is achieved by keeping up a good oral health routine year round. Protect your teeth this summer with these 3 simple tips:
SEE: Creating an Oral Hygiene Routine and Stick To it This New Year!
1. Use a Mouthguard to Protect from Sports Injuries
With the consistent growth in sports participation, it’s important to make sure your mouth is protected. Mouth injuries are very common and can easily be avoided by simply wearing a mouthguard. Some of these injuries include broken or chipped teeth, fractured crowns, lip or cheek injuries, root damage to the teeth, fractured jaws and concussions.
These injuries can occur while playing any kind of sport, not just collision sports like football or hockey. Though not required, it is important to wear a mouthguard while playing any type of contact sport, even if it is just a friendly game in the backyard to protect your teeth from any type of damage.
RELATED: How to Have a Healthy, White Smile Without Giving Up the Foods You Love
2. Go Easy on the Ice-Cream Treats and Brush More Often
Nothing is better in the summer than hearing the ice-cream truck drive by and scrambling to find some cash before it passes your house. It’s okay to have ice cream and sugary snacks but make sure it’s in moderation. The last thing you want is a summer full of cavities.
Aside from ice cream and other sugary snacks, you need to be careful around sugary drinks, too. Sugary drinks like lemonade or soda are even worse for your teeth than sweet foods. When you drink sugar-filled beverages, the particles get into every nook and cranny of your mouth. The sugar can sit there for prolonged periods of time if you don’t properly or frequently brush your teeth. So go ahead and chase down that ice-cream truck and get the large lemonade (in moderation of course), just make sure you’re brushing your teeth twice a day.
SEE ALSO: How to Brush Your Teeth
3. Make Your Second Dentist Appointment of the Year
The importance of visiting the dentist twice a year is something that has been stressed to you your entire life. Protect your teeth by having them checked for early signs of tooth decay, diagnoses of gum disease or oral cancer and to get your teeth cleaned to prevent excessive tartar and plaque buildup.
Staying ahead of the game is the best way to prevent serious dental issues. For more information on proactive ways for protecting your teeth, or to make an appointment with Dr. Larry Duffield, contact us at our Royal Oak office at 877-630-7410