What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “summer?” Is it swimming? Sunshine? Vacation? Family time? While we are just as excited as you are for the arrival of summer vacation, we know that dental care and oral health are not usually on your to-do list. While we all tend to stray from our normal routines as soon as the weather turns hot, your team from Blackburn Shoppes Dental is here to tell you that it’s as important as ever to prioritize your oral health. We have compiled a few of our favourite summer oral health tips to teach you how to care for your teeth this summer.
1. Avoid Sugary Snacks and Drinks
. Even if we typically eat healthy meals during the majority of the year, summer parties and barbecues present us with more opportunities to consume sugary food and drinks. One of the most important summer survival tips for oral health is to steer clear of food and drinks that are high in sugar as much as possible. The acid in sugar attacks your tooth enamel and creates plaque buildup that leads to cavities. If you find yourself turning to sugary things, do it in moderation and make sure to brush your teeth right after to help protect your teeth from developing cavities.
2. Don’t Miss Your Dental Appointments
Summer is a busy time for vacations, plans with friends, weddings and parties, so we often see patients cancel their summer dental appointments, or forget them altogether! While the summer is a great time to see family and friends, it’s crucial to stay committed to your dental appointments; it is likely that it has already been six months since your last one! If you have not been to the dentist in over six months, make sure to contact our team to book yourself in this summer. Carve out time in the morning for your appointment, and then spend the rest of the day by the pool!
3. Use Proper Lip Balm
Your lip health is also part of your oral health, so taking care of your lips is important, especially in the summer. Most people pay extra attention when applying sunscreen during the summer, but most people do not realize that their lips need equal care as well. On sunny days, apply your favourite sunblock to protect your skin as normal, but also applying a lip balm that contains at least SPF 15 is also advised. Proper lip care will help prevent lips burning and blistering from the sun’s intense rays.
4. Don’t Forget to Brush and Floss
Travel, late nights, parties, camping and sleepovers throughout the summer really throw off your typical routine, especially your bedtime routine. Make sure to dedicate a few minutes before bed to floss and brush. Shrugging off your nighttime oral health routine eventually adds up and the consequences are severe. Prioritizing your oral health every night will benefit you for years to come!
Summer is definitely the best time of year for fun activities with family and friends. However, it is just as important to prioritize regular dental care.The Blackburn Shoppes Dental Centre team is here to help keep you on track. Now that you know how to take care of your oral health throughout the summer months, you can worry less about dental scares like cavities. Instead, you can focus on showing off your best smile throughout all your summer adventures.
