Have you made plans to go on a vacation this summer? Whether you’re traveling to another state or spending time overseas, you’ll want to make sure you’re in great condition to avoid any complications during your trip. One thing you shouldn’t overlook is your smile, as a dental emergency can easily put a hamper on your plans. Keep reading to learn five tips on protecting your oral health this summer.
#1: Keep Good Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the easiest ways to prevent complications with your teeth is to keep them clean every single day. This means you should brush, floss, and rinse them with mouthwash frequently. By doing so, you’ll significantly reduce your risk of developing issues like decay, cavities, and gum disease. This is especially crucial during summertime, as you can easily forget to clean your smile because of all the fun you may be having.
#2: Drink Lots of Water
Other than brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth throughout the day is a great way to maintain clean teeth. While your saliva is essential for this, you can also drink water to keep you both hydrated and wash away any food particles, debris, and bacteria that may accumulate throughout the day. If you want to simply rinse your mouth, be sure to use tap water, which is typically fluoridated and can help fight against cavities.
#3: Avoid Using Your Teeth as Tools
While it might seem convenient to hold your keys or rip open a package with your teeth, it won’t be very pleasant if this leads to a chipped or damaged smile. If you want to avoid a potential dental emergency, one easy way to do so is to not use your pearly whites as tools. The only things you should be using your teeth for are eating, talking, and smiling.
#4: Minimize Your Sugar Intake
Due to the summer weather, you might be tempted to enjoy a cold, sugary ice cream cone or soda. Though it isn’t bad to consume these kinds of foods or drinks now and then, having them too often can raise the risk of developing bacteria in your mouth. Since germs feed on sugar, you can end up increasing your chances of forming cavities or gum disease and requiring costly dental treatment. That’s why you should only enjoy sugary foods in moderation.
#5: Visit Your Dentist Beforehand
Before heading out for summer vacation, you should consider seeing your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. During your appointment, they can evaluate your mouth and address any underlying or developing problems before they worsen. This can save you time, money, and headaches in the future, ensuring a stress-free trip.
Be sure to stay on top of your oral health to avoid potential complications later on. By keeping these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy your summer vacation to the fullest!
About the Practice
At Distinctive Smiles of Dublin, we pride ourselves on providing multiple kinds of services to help our patients achieve their best oral health. Whether you want to enhance your pearly whites or prevent complications from starting, we have the tools and experience to help you. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any further questions, feel free to visit our website or call 614-792-1800.