As summer approaches, it brings with it a time of fun, travel, and outdoor activities. However, rising temperatures also require a change in daily routine and diet, which can have a long-lasting impact on oral health. Therefore, taking good care of your teeth becomes even more crucial during the summer. Listed below are some tips to maintain your dental health throughout the summer.
Stay Hydrated
During summer, the body’s fluid requirement increases due to increased fluid loss through excess sweating. Dehydration also causes dry mouth and bad breath, which staying hydrated can control. Therefore, staying hydrated to replenish the lost fluids is extremely important.
Water is recommended as the drink of choice for hydration instead of beverages with added sugars. Drinking water also helps flush out food and bacteria from the mouth, thus preventing cavity formation.
Limit Sugary Drinks and Foods
High temperatures in summer often cause cravings for refreshing drinks such as sodas, lemonades, or juices and foods such as ice creams and popsicles. However, these foods and beverages contain high amounts of sugar, which is detrimental to your dental health. As a result, it is better to consume them in a limited quantity or avoid them altogether.
Sugary cold drinks can be replaced by water, unsweetened tea, or milk, whereas consuming fruits, vegetables, or yogurt can satisfy the need for sweet foods. Remember to use a straw while drinking sugary drinks to minimize their contact with teeth.
Protect Teeth While Playing
Children tend to engage in various sports and outdoor activities during summer vacations. If not properly protected, dental injuries, such as chipped or fractured teeth, are likely to occur. Therefore, it is advised that children wear protective gear, such as mouthguards, while playing to prevent injury to their teeth.
Do Not Chew on Ice
It is natural to want to consume some ice on a hot day. However, chewing on ice has more risks of dental injury than benefits. An ice cube is harder than it looks and can break or chip a tooth or damage the enamel. It may also damage dental fillings or braces.
Safeguard Your Lips
Caring for oral structures also includes caring for your lips. The skin on the lips is thinner and more prone to sun damage in the summer. A lip balm containing a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 is recommended to protect the lips.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Sometimes, summer vacations involve traveling, which can disrupt your daily routine, including dental care. However, to maintain optimum dental health, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using fluoride toothpaste is important. Always make sure to carry your dental hygiene essentials while traveling.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
While summer is a time for fun and relaxation, keeping up with your regular dental check-up appointments is also important. These appointments will help address any dental issues, such as calculus deposits or cavities, at an early stage and prevent further complications.
The summer season comes with its own set of fun and challenges regarding dental health. However, taking care of your teeth during summer is not difficult. You can maintain your dental health by staying hydrated, opting for healthier alternatives to sugary foods and beverages, using dental protective equipment, and following an oral care routine.
To ensure that all your dental issues are resolved this summer, visit SRM Dental Clinic to get the best dental care in Madurai.