On average, you should visit your dentist between 1-2 times a year. A general rule of thumb is to schedule dental appointments once every 6 months. However, this isn’t the same for everyone.
Some people need to visit their dentist more often, depending on their current dental health. Unfortunately, some people tend to neglect their teeth during the summer, which may lead to necessary extra dental visits come fall. To keep your teeth healthy and prevent you from having to schedule extra dentist appointments, there are a few dental tips you should follow.
In the guide below, we’ll provide you with a list of dental health tips to keep in mind this summer! Continue reading to learn more.
Schedule Routine Dental Visits
It’s not uncommon for people to forget to schedule routine dental visits during the summer. Once summer comes around, many families are preparing for summer vacations and spending the weekends outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. As exciting as the summer can be, it’s still essential to keep up with your dental health.
If you tend to get lost in the excitement or business of summer, then it could be beneficial to schedule routine dental visits either right before or right after the summer. Schedule dental appointments at your local dentist or orthodontist in Cleveland in advance. This way, you can enjoy your summer without the worry of missing an important dentist appointment.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps keep your teeth in good condition. Staying hydrated promotes healthy saliva buildup, which helps wash away plaque and keep your teeth clean. During the summer, while you spend the day swimming or drinking, you may forget to stay hydrated with lots of water.
To prevent this from happening, you can always keep cold water bottles with you. Drink water after finishing an alcoholic beverage or a lap around the pool. A dry mouth can lead to bacteria growth and tooth decay, so always remember to drink and rinse with fresh water.
Limit Sugary Beverages and Foods
As the summer temperatures begin to rise, you may find yourself indulging in more cold sweets to help cool you off. Ice cream, popsicles, and lemonade are just a few yummy examples of cooling summer foods. As delicious as these treats are, especially during the hot summer months, do your best to limit your intake of sugary beverages and foods.
When you do allow yourself a sweet beverage treat, use a straw. Straws will limit the amount of sugar that reaches and sits on your teeth. After indulging in any sweet treat, you should also drink water to rinse the sugar off your teeth.
Store Your Toothbrush Correctly
Beautiful summer weather calls for beautiful summer travel. While traveling, do pay close attention to how you store your toothbrush. Some travelers tend to quickly toss their toothbrushes inside their luggage carelessly.
Unfortunately, placing a damp toothbrush inside a dark luggage compartment can promote bacteria growth. Instead, you should also ensure your toothbrush is dry before packing it. You should also carry it in a storage container of some sort to keep it clean.
If you have no choice but to pack the toothbrush while it’s wet, then do be sure to remove it as soon as you get to your destination and allow it to air dry fully.
Stick to Your Regular Dental Routine
There’s no denying just how busy summer can be. You have a lot going on between juggling travel plans, sleepovers, a busy work schedule, and so much more! However, don’t let this stop you from continuing your normal dental routine.
You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to prevent extra trips to your Cleveland orthodontist or dentist. If you have the capability, then you want to brush and floss three times a day (once in the morning, once after lunch, and once before bed). Set an alarm on your phone if needed to help remind you when it’s time to floss and brush.
Wear Protective Dental Gear
Have you recently joined a local sports league? Softball, kickball, and flag football leagues are all popular choices for adults and young adults alike. If you do happen to join a sports league over the summer, then do remember to wear protective dental gear.
It’s not uncommon to experience some type of dental trauma while playing sports. That’s why there are sports mouth guards. Wear your mouth guard each time you play to protect your teeth from accidental damage.
You can speak with your dentist about having a mouth guard custom-made for you.
Have an Emergency Dentist on Call
Speaking of damaged teeth, you never know when you might break, chip, or crack a tooth. These damages are all considered dental emergencies. You’ll need to see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
For this reason, having an emergency dentist on call is always beneficial. Speak with your dentist about their emergency hours/visits and how to handle the situation if seeing a dentist at that exact time isn’t possible.
The Best Dental Tips Will Keep Your Teeth Healthy All Summer Long
Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is a daily task that you must keep up with even during the summer. To ensure proper dental care, follow all of these summer dental tips listed above. These dental tips will promote healthy and clean teeth even while on the go!
Then, find a reputable dentist and orthodontist for all your dental needs. At Weiss and Tor Orthodontics your comfort, dental needs, and smile aspirations are our first priorities.
Schedule an appointment with us today to see how we can help you.