Summer is a great time to head outside and enjoy the sun and beautiful weather. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at steps you can take to ensure you not only enjoy a wonderful summer, but also keep your smile healthy in the process.
What to Avoid
First, if you’re going to enjoy outdoor activities and sports, why not talk to us about a custom-made athletic mouthguard? The mouthguard will be created specifically for your smile, with a fit that helps protect your teeth form injury or being knocked-out. In addition, you should remember to cut back on sugary foods and rinks, which can include energy drinks and even fruit juice. These items can increase the risk of tooth decay. We also want to remind our patients that sports drinks actually contain high levels of acid, which combined with the fact being outdoors in the heat can cause dry mouth, increases the risk of cavities.
Healthy Snacks You can Enjoy
First, try to drink more water. You stay hydrated without putting your smile at risk. Second, opt for healthier snack choices. Instead of candy, chips, or chocolate, why not choose vegetables, fresh fruits, low-fat yogurts, cheese, or nuts? These options can give you more energy, help your waistline, and don’t put your teeth at risk of developing decay.
Homecare and Dentist Visits
During the summer, be sure you make time for you and your family to stop by and see us! The summer is a great time for a checkup and cleaning, especially before school begins and your family’s schedule becomes much more hectic. Also, remind your kids that even though they have more free time in their schedule, they shouldn’t skip brushing and flossing each night, as this is still critical for avoiding cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Do You Have Questions About Oral Health?
Dr. Lawson and our team can help you enjoy a healthy smile with advice on everything from diet to brushing and flossing. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling our sleep dentistry office in Urbandale, IA, at 515-278-4366.
