What’s on your to-do list this summer? Are you gearing up for a family vacation across the country? How about a trip down to the beach? No matter where you’re heading this season, something to keep in mind is your oral health; summer vacation does not mean taking a vacation from personal hygiene! Here are some oral health tips from your Chardon dentist to keep your smile healthy and bright no matter where you’re adventuring this summer.
1. Drink Enough Water
Water is the absolute best beverage for your body and your oral health, which makes sense given that your body is mostly composed of water! That said, drinking it throughout the day helps to stimulate your mouth’s natural flow of saliva. This is important for washing away excess food particles and bacteria that remains lingering around after you eat. It also helps to keep your mouth sufficiently moist. Not to mention, it freshens your breath!
2. Pick Tap Water
Although there’s nothing wrong with bottled water (and it’s especially convenient for when you’re on the go), you should try to drink tap water whenever you can. Tap water often has fluoride added to it, which is a naturally occurring mineral with many oral health benefits. It strengthens your tooth enamel and increases its resistance to staining and decay! That said, check to see if your town or city adds fluoride to its local water supply and drink up.
3. Avoid Sweet and Carbonated Drinks
Even though an ice-cold Pepsi or a tall glass of lemonade is the perfect way to cool off during a hot summer day, you should try to avoid these types of items when you can. When consumed frequently, these carbonated and sugary drinks can wear away your tooth enamel and stain your teeth. And even though stained teeth can be addressed, lost enamel cannot; once your enamel is gone, it’s gone for good!
4. Try Drinking Tea
Certain teas, like green teas, contain ingredients that can actively suppress bacteria, which in turn slows down the development of tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious oral health concerns. However, some teas do have sugary and acidic additives that will wreak havoc inside your mouth if you aren’t careful—just be sure to check the listed ingredients.
5. Use a Drinking Straw
Drinking your beverages through a straw will reduce the amount of contact between your teeth and potentially harmful liquids, which results in a decreased risk of tooth decay forming. This way, if you can’t resist enjoying a soda, you’re at least giving your teeth a little bit of added protection. Also consider finishing your drinks quickly, rather than sipping them slowly over time.
Talk with your dentist if you have any questions about taking care of your smile this summer while you’re on vacation. Following these tips will help to keep your teeth healthy and bright all season long!
About the Practice
The Chardon Smile Center proudly serves patients and families in Chardon, OH under the leadership of Dr. Christopher R. Phillips and Dr. Brian J. Titus! Both dentists have several years of experience and expertise in a wide variety of fields and their practice is pleased to offer many available services, including preventive dentistry! If you have any questions about how to take care of your smile this summer or would like to schedule a visit, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or by phone: (440) 286-2474.