Start the Summer Right With these Summer Dental Tips!

Learn how to protect your teeth in the summer with these dental care tips!

There’s nothing like summer weather to get you into vacation mode. Whether you prefer to curl up with a book in your backyard or head out to the beach, summertime invites rest and relaxation.

But don’t let your oral care go into relaxation mode! Being on vacation or going on a trip can take a toll on your teeth when it causes you to deviate from your normal routine. Make sure you follow these summer dental tips so that you can ride out the summer with a perfect, beautiful smile!

• Drink water. Keep your mouth moist throughout the day. Most people don’t know that water is effective in washing out plaque-causing bacteria. It’s also beneficial to your breath!
• Cut down on high-sugar beverages. Even energy drinks presented as “healthy” and juices marketed as “all-natural” often have a very high sugar content. More than almost any dietary choice you make, sugary drinks have an enormous impact on your oral health. Our suggestions? Water, unsweetened tea, plain sparkling water and diluted juice.
• Brush and floss regularly. The key here is to get in between your teeth and give your teeth at least one very good cleaning each day. A perfectly clean tooth can’t get sick. So make sure you’re brushing all the surfaces(on the inside and out) and that the floss reaches down between each side of your tooth. Neither brushing nor flossing need to be vigorous, as hard brushing may  hurt your gums.
• Don’t chew on ice. While it can be tempting on a hot day, ice or other hard substances have been known to cause accidents which damage the teeth. Chomping down on ice also may wear on your teeth’s enamel.  
• Dry out your toothbrush. A wet toothbrush is a breeding site for bacteria. It is a shame to think all the trouble one might go to in order to brush his/her teeth, only to re-insert bacteria because the toothbrush was wet. So as soon as you get to your destination, take your toothbrush out of the case and stand it up in a cup so that any moisture drains away!
• Always have a backup plan. It’s good to buy extra just to keep backup supplies on hand. Even if you run out of toothpaste, you can still brush with water. The most important part of brushing is wiping off the bacteria that love to collect on your teeth. And don’t share a toothbrush, unless you have alcohol on hand to sterilize it!

These are all little tips, but added up they can make a huge difference. Be informed so you can make educated choices about your teeth during the summer. When it comes time for your annual dental checkup, your teeth–and your wallet–will thank you!

Penn Dental Family Practice is dedicated to helping families and individuals achieve optimal oral health. Learn more general or summer dental tips or discover which of our many services you might benefit from.

You can also get an appointment by calling us at  215-898-PDFP(7337).