How to Keep Your Smile Safe from These Potentially Dangerous Summer Activities

As the temperature starts climbing, the days grow longer, and more places begin reopening, chances are you’re itching to get some fun in the sun with your friends and family. Not only is this a great chance to spend quality time with loved ones, but you’ll also reap the health benefits of getting plenty of vitamin D. That said, there are still several reasons you should be cautious this summer. After all, many classic summer activities can harm your teeth and gums, sending you straight to your emergency dentist’s office. Keep reading to learn about some of these dangers and how you can protect your smile in La Porte.

Drinking Sugary Beverages

When the weather warms up, it’s important to stay hydrated. However, a lot of popular summer beverages – like lemonade, sports drinks, sodas, and sweet tea – expose your teeth to hazardous amounts of sugar. Bacteria in your mouth feed on that sugar, producing acid that erodes tooth enamel and causes cavities. This is especially true if you sip frequently throughout the day.

If you’re going to consume these beverages, try to drink them in one sitting. After that, drink some water to wash the sugar off of your teeth. Better yet, stay hydrated with water as much as you can.

Eating Cold Treats

Popsicles, ice cream, and snow cones are excellent ways to cool down in the hot summer months. If you have sensitive teeth, though, these items can cause a sharp pain to shoot through your teeth. There are a few possible reasons behind this, like thin enamel, an exposed tooth root, or a cavity you were previously unaware of.

To prevent your sensitivity from worsening, avoid whitening toothpastes. Instead, use a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Also, use a toothbrush with the softest bristles you can find to avoid further damage to your enamel.

Playing Sports

If you or your kids are taking part in any summer sporting events, there’s always the risk of someone getting hit in the face with a stray ball or other equipment. Just to be on the safe side, you should protect your teeth with a mouthguard. While you can find cheap mouthguards at the sporting goods store, your teeth will be better protected if you have a mouthguard that is custom-made by a dentist.  

One of the best ways to keep your smile safe this summer is to schedule a preventive visit with your dentist in La Porte. That way, you can minimize the risk of dental emergencies ruining your summer fun!

About the Authors

At Region Dental, Dr. Daniel Berquist and Dr. Joseph Ornelas provide same-day appointments for emergency patients. They’re happy to treat patients of all ages so that everyone in your family can get the personalized care their smiles need under one roof. Thanks to their dedication to continuing education, their office is equipped with the latest technology that makes your treatments as efficient as possible. To learn more about keeping your smile safe this summer, you can contact Region Dental at (219) 362-8980.