The summer months seem to run at a completely different pace around here. With school out and fun things to do on the calendar, there is a loss of regularity and routine that’s wonderful. However, this is a great time of year to remember that your regular routines, especially with your hygiene, are really important, even during these lazy summer days. Here are a few friendly reminders:
Summer Snacking and Your Teeth
Hanging out at home, heading over to a friend’s house, pool parties and fire pits… all roads in the summer lead to gatherings, and all gatherings come with food to nosh on. There is often an uptick of snacking in the summertime simply because food is around and beckoning! Higher frequency of eating and snacking can lead to a higher frequency of bacteria production in the mouth. This can spell bad news for the enamel and protective tissue of your teeth. In other words, you are at a higher risk for cavities the more snacking you do. This is especially noteworthy for kids, who may be enjoying snacks at home and away from home during these summer weeks. Be aware and stay consistent with tooth brushing and flossing. Especially for the kids, consider swapping out sugary drinks with water as often as possible to help mitigate the snacking a bit.
Mind Your Acids and Sweets
It’s the season of such delights as strawberry shortcake and key lime pie. It’s also the season of gazpacho. These are wonderful foods to enjoy, but they can be harmful to your teeth overtime. Sugary foods can stick to your teeth, attracting bacteria that will eat away at your enamel over time. Citric acid (and other acids) will eat away at your enamel as well. While sampling what delicious things this season has to offer, remember that the precious enamel of your teeth is your first defense against cavities and decay.
Water is Essential
Hydration is king during the summer months. Water does good for the body no matter what! Keeping a reusable bottle of tap water with you throughout the day this summer will do good for your body, as well as your mouth. The fluoride in your tap water will strengthen your teeth, hardening your enamel against some of the concerns listed above. Furthermore, water keeps your mouth clean by rinsing away for acids and residual bacteria, as well. It also replenishes your saliva, which is your body’s natural defense against tooth decay.
Mind the Kiddos and Their Healthy Practices
When the school routine falls away, sometimes other routines do, too. Check in with your kids and make sure that they are brushing and flossing daily and well. This helps reinforce the good habits you’ve developed all school year, helps maintain their teeth and prevent cavities during these high activity months, and lays the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene. This might be a good time to remind you to make an appointment with your hygienist (or your child’s hygienist) if you haven’t this year. Better to get in during these flexible summer weeks before the routine of Autumn returns!
Summer has a different pace, but that doesn’t mean your teeth take a vacation. Enjoying the season should be your priority, but don’t let your teeth become an afterthought. Being mindful of what you’re eating, making sure that you maintain your routine, and drinking plenty of water are simple things that will make a big difference for your happy, healthy summer.
Spending your summer thinking about your health care team? Searching for a specialist in the Boston area who can help with your endodontic and periodontal needs? We are here and delighted to answer your questions. Get in touch with us today!
