The days are getting longer, and the sun is shining brighter – two signs that summer is approaching. That means it will soon be time for you to head out on vacation. While enjoying some much-needed rest and recuperation, you still want to maintain your oral health. As you continue reading, a dentist in Dublin lists 5 ways to protect your teeth and gums!
#1 – Drink Plenty of Water
No matter what time of the year it is, it’s important to drink the proper amount of water, which is half your body weight in ounces. For example, a 200-pound person would need to consume at least 100 ounces. It’s especially important to maintain proper water intake while on vacation, as you’re likely to eat more sugary foods. By drinking an adequate amount of water, you’ll aid in your body’s production of saliva, which helps to flush your mouth of leftover debris and bacteria after a snack or meal.
#2 – Keep Mouthwash Handy
While on vacation, there may be times when you’re constantly moving about. This can make it harder to maintain your usual dental hygiene schedule. For those times when you’ll grab a quick bite and then head to your next destination or event, be sure to keep a bottle of mouthwash handy. Therefore, you can flush away some of the remaining food and beverage particles and freshen your breath.
#3 – Beware of the Bubbles
As tempting as they may be, it’s best to limit your consumption of carbonated beverages. They are loaded with acids that can eat away at your tooth enamel and leave you more susceptible to developing cavities. If you choose to indulge from time-to-time, be sure to perform dental hygiene afterwards.
#4 – Use a Straw
For the times when you treat yourself to a more acidic beverage like lemonade or a carbonated drink, try using a straw and finishing the drink quickly. Not only will this help to decrease any tooth damage, but it will also limit the chances of any staining.
#5 – Eat More Fruit
Will you be visiting a tropical climate? If so, don’t settle for satisfying your sweet tooth by only eating desserts, pastries and other potentially detrimental treats. Take the opportunity to sample some of the region’s delicious fruits. They’ll have far less of a negative impact on your teeth and gums. In some cases, eating the fruits will help to clean your teeth.
One of the purposes of these summer oral health tips is to highlight the fact that you don’t have to ruin your vacation fun just to maintain your oral health. Nor do you have to settle for choosing foods and beverages that could harm your teeth and gums.
By taking a more mindful approach, you can enjoy yourself thoroughly, while maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. For nearly 20 years, he has been helping his patients experience phenomenal dental health. Dr. Buck offers preventive care and expert guidance so his patients can maintain excellent oral health, even while on vacation. He practices at Distinctive Smiles, and he can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.