It seems like there is always something to look forward to this time of year… neighborhood cookouts, trips to the beach, and family picnics in the park… who doesn’t look forward to summer, right?
We sure do, but our Hamilton dental office also knows that summer brings with it unique risks to your oral health. Today, our team at Joseph A. Ricciardi wants to share with you some of those risks so you and your family can keep their smiles safe during the summer months.
You Have So Much To Smile About During The Summer!
There is certainly a lot of fun to be had over the next few months. With another school year in the books, you get to spend more time together as a family. Maybe there’s a trip to the drive-in planned, an amusement park in your near future, or maybe you like to stick a little closer to home spending time with the kids at the local swimming pool.
Summer gives us a chance to get out in nature and enjoy the outdoors with the people we love. It’s no wonder you look forward to it!
How To Keep Your Smile Safe This Summer
Our Hamilton dental office wants to help you keep that smile healthy and beautiful while you’re out having fun in the sun! That’s why we’re offering some tips for protecting your oral health this summer.
Water, Water, Water!
Without a doubt, one of the best things you can do for your body and your teeth during the hot summer months is to stay hydrated. The only proper way to do that is by drinking plenty of water. Sure, it’s tempting to load the cooler with sugary fruit juices, sports drinks, and sodas, but those will do nothing to keep you hydrated, and they’ll also put your oral health at risk.
Water is the best way to encourage your body’s saliva production fully functioning. Saliva is our natural defense against food particles, sugars, and acids you find in many flavored drinks. Without enough saliva to wash these things away, you become vulnerable to problems like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. So load up the cooler this summer with lots of water!
Be Smart About Snacks!
While it may seem convenient to grab a bag of chips at the gas station on your way to the beach, it’s not the best idea for your teeth. Instead, stock up on crunchy fruits and vegetables. This way, you’re not only being kind to your waistline for swimsuit season, but you’re doing your oral health a favor.
Fresh fruits like apples and pears, as well as veggies like celery and carrot sticks, provide a crunch that will promote saliva production. They also help to scrub your teeth as you eat them, which means you’re cleaning your teeth of harmful plaque as you chew.
Careful With Chlorine!
It’s not a bad idea to include a travel size toothbrush and toothpaste into your bag when you head to the local public pool. That’s because, although chlorine makes the pool water safe to swim in due to its bacteria killing power, it also can eat away at your tooth enamel. This can put you at risk for tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and dry mouth.
Even if you keep your mouth closed while you swim, it will still manage its way in there. Brushing after you swim with a fluoride-rich toothpaste will help protect your tooth enamel from erosion.
Sunscreen Isn’t Just For Your Body!
It’s no secret that we need to protect our skin from those harmful rays. But don’t neglect your face, especially your lips. Your lips and mouth are at a greater risk of oral cancer in the summer months because you spend much more time out in the hot sun. It’s important to include your lips when thinking about proper SPF protection.
We suggest you use an SPF lip balm of at least 30 or higher and to keep it with you all summer long. This will help you lower your risk for oral cancer from too much sun exposure.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
As always, part of keeping your mouth healthy is remembering to schedule your routine dental cleanings and exams with Joseph A. Ricciardi, DDS in Hamilton, NJ. We’re here and ready to help you enjoy the summer sun without sacrificing your smile!
Give us a call today at 609-752-3293 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.