How to Keep Your Smile Healthy and Bright During the Summer

It’s finally summer! Longer days, vacations, and fun in the sun, it’s time to enjoy the season. While it’s easy to get caught up in seasonal treats and a loosened-up routine, it’s important to still take care of your smile and keep up with your oral health. With a few simple habits, you can keep your smile looking healthy and bright throughout the summer.

Stay Hydrated For A Healthier Mouth

Water is your best friend in the summer, and not just for staying cool but also for maintaining oral health. Drinking lots of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria which can lead to cavities and bad breath. Plus, if you’re spending hours outside, staying hydrated prevents dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Instead of reaching for sugary drinks, carry a reusable water bottle and sip throughout the day. For a refreshing twist, try fruit-infused water with slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for a natural flavor without the added artificial sweetener.

Swap Out Sugary Drinks

Summer tempts us with ice-cold sodas, lemonade, and sweet tea, but these drinks can harm your teeth. The sugar in these feeds harmful bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and cavities.

If you’re craving something more flavorful, opt for:

• Sparkling water (unsweetened)
• Iced herbal tea (without added sugar)
• Diluted fruit juice (in moderation)

Your teeth will stay healthier, and you’ll avoid any unnecessary sugar crashes.

Choose Smart Snacks For Stronger Teeth

Summer picnics and BBQs often mean extra snacking. Instead of reaching for sticky or sugary treats, try out these tooth-friendly options:

• Cheese: High in calcium and phosphorus, which strengthens enamel
• Crunchy veggies: Veggies like carrots and celery can help clean teeth naturally
• Nuts: Provide healthy fats and minerals
• Fresh fruit: Fruits like apples or seedless watermelon can be a sweet, hydrating alternative snack

Avoid Chewing Ice

Crunching on ice might feel refreshing, but it’s a major risk for your teeth. Ice can cause tiny cracks in your enamel or even lead to a chipped tooth. Instead, let the ice melt in your mouth or enjoy chilled drinks without chewing.

Protect Your Lips

We usually remember sunscreen for our skin but forget about our lips. The sun’s UV rays can cause sunburn, dryness, and even increase the risk of lip cancer. To protect your smile, use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and reapply often, especially after swimming or eating.

Keep Up With Your Routine

Summer schedules can get busy, but don’t let your dental care start to slip. Try and stick to a good dental routine:

• Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing daily to remove plaque between teeth.
• Replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles fray.

If you’re traveling, pack a travel-sized toothbrush and floss to stay on track.

Wear A Mouthguard For Sports & Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re playing beach volleyball, biking, or swimming, accidents can happen. A custom-fitted mouthguard protects your teeth from chips, cracks, or even loss. If you don’t have one, a store-bought guard is better than nothing at all.

Be Careful With Extremely Cold Treats

Popsicles and ice cream are staple summer treats that many look forward to, but sudden temperatures can trigger discomfort for those with sensitive teeth. To minimize discomfort, consider letting popsicles or ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before taking a bite. This allows treats to soften slightly, making them less shocking to your teeth for that first bite.

Skip The Toothpicks – Use Floss Instead

After eating at a BBQ, it’s tempting to grab a toothpick to get something stuck between your teeth. However, they can actually do harm to your gums and invite bacteria in. Instead, consider keeping a pack of dental floss on hand. Floss is more gentle and safe at dislodging any stuck food or debris from your teeth.

Schedule A Summer Dental Checkup

Before you start to fill up your calendar with fun summer activities, remember to book a dental cleaning and exam. A professional cleaning removes plaque buildup and your dentist can catch any issues early so you can avoid any unexpected visits or a toothache during vacation. Prioritizing your dental health now can lead to a worry-free summer.

Enjoy The Summer With A Confident Smile

By following these tips, you can keep your teeth healthy and bright for the whole summer. Stay hydrated, snack wisely, and protect your smile so you can focus on having a great summer. Now is the perfect time to schedule your next dental appointment to make sure you are summer-ready, whether you need a routine cleaning, a whitening treatment, or even a complete smile makeover. At Carrie Muzny D.D.S., we offer preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, to help residents in Benders Landing, Woodforest, Spring, North Houston, and Conroe/Montgomery. Reach out today to kickstart your summer with confidence and a healthy, bright smile.