People across the country look forward to summer as a time of fun and relaxation. While it’s important to enjoy your break from school or your hard-earned vacation days, it’s also crucial not to leave your teeth vulnerable to injury and infection while you’re taking it easy or going on an adventure in the sunshine. Here are a few tips for keeping your teeth in great shape during the summer so you can enjoy excellent oral health all year.
Don’t Neglect Your Oral Hygiene
It’s important to remember that the harmful oral bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease won’t take any time off just because you’re going on vacation. An excellent oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash is a crucial part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and it can be hard to keep up with these habits when you’re on the road. Before you leave for vacation, pack a travel hygiene kit that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, travel-sized mouthwash, and any orthodontic supplies you need.
Don’t Overindulge in Sugary Treats
Summer is known for being hot, making sugary treats like soda, ice cream, sports drinks, popsicles, and snow cones quite appealing. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy these items on occasion as long as you’re drinking plenty of water and practicing excellent oral hygiene afterward, making habits out of them can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other nasty oral infections. Make sure that water is always your usual beverage to keep your oral health in great shape while preventing dehydration.
See Your Dentist Before Traveling
Nothing can ruin a vacation quite like the sudden onset of an agonizing toothache. To prevent this and other dental disasters from spoiling your summer fun, it’s a great idea to schedule your next routine dental exam and cleaning a few weeks before you go out of town. This way, your dentist can thoroughly inspect your mouth, clean all its hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, and address any issues in their early stages before they can become vacation-destroying dental emergencies.
You’ve worked hard all year to make it to summer. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help ensure that your break remains pleasant and free from oral infections.
About the Author
Dr. Roel Valadez, Jr. earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and completed his Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at UT Health San Antonio. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Alice offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next dental appointment, contact his practice online or dial (361) 664-3057.