Summer is a treasured time in Minnesota. Us Minnesotans truly love embracing the warmth and sunshine after our long winter months—spending more time outside, celebrating weddings, and more. Here are easy summer dental tips that you can incorporate into your daily dental routine so you can have a beautiful, healthy smile this summer!
10 Summer Dental Tips for a Healthy, Bright Smile
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated will help wash away bacteria and other food particles. When it’s hotter than usual outside, it’s important to drink more water than usual.
Protect Teeth During Outdoor Activities
Whether you have kids playing summer sports or you’re out for a mountain bike ride, it’s important to wear mouthguards when necessary. This will help protect against any dental injuries that could damage your smile.
Find Balance with Healthy Foods
Although it’s tempting to indulge in sugary foods during the summer, make sure to eat teeth-friendly snacks. Foods like nuts, cheeses, and vegetables will help keep your teeth clean and prevent bacteria growth.
Rinse Your Mouth After Visiting a Pool
Chlorine from pools can weaken your tooth enamel over time. To remove residual chlorine, we recommend a mouth rinse after swimming in a pool for you and other family members. Wearing a mouthguard can help while swimming, too.
Use Sun Protection On Your Lips
Apply sunscreen or a lip balm with SPF to your lips to help prevent your lips from getting sunburned, which can lead to oral cancer.
Consider Professional Whitening Treatment for Summer Events
We often celebrate weddings, graduations, retirements, and more during the summer. Show off a beautiful, bright smile at these important life events after having your teeth professionally whitened. Learn more about teeth whitening here.
Avoid Sugary Drinks
Juices, mixed drinks, and wine are all high in sugar which can lead to bacteria growth. Try to limit sugary drinks to maintain good oral health.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
It’s always important to brush twice a day and floss daily to keep your smile bright and healthy.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Before Vacation
Before you travel, it’s always helpful to visit your dentist to prevent future toothaches that could ruin a trip. A dental cleaning will also keep your smile free of plaque and stains.
Avoid Chewing Ice
Chewing on an ice cube can damage your teeth by chipping them. Although ice might help you feel cooler, it’s not the safest option for your teeth.
Conclusion
We hope these summer dental tips help you have a brighter, healthier, and more confident smile over these warm summer months! To schedule your next dental cleaning or visit, please visit our contact page.
