As carefree as summer can be, there are plenty of things to worry about: sunburns, seagulls stealing your food, running out of beverages at your neighborhood barbecue, shark attacks … the list is endless. One thing you probably don’t realize you need to worry about is your dental health. It’s true! Every summer, we engage in activities that put our very lives’ teeth at risk. What are they? How severe are the consequences?
We Know What You Did Last Summer
Or at least we know what most people did last summer (and every summer before that). Not only do we work in Boca Raton, but we also live and play there, too. This means that we’re well aware of the summer activities that could be harming your teeth. Here are just a few examples to give you something to think about:
- Swimming — Cooling down in the pool is downright refreshing. The problem is that the Ph levels in the chlorine can damage our tooth enamel. We know you’re not guzzling pool water, but swimming itself exposes your teeth to these chemicals. Once you’re out of the water, it’s a good idea to rinse your mouth out with tap water (as it contains minute amounts of fluoride) to prevent the chlorine from lingering on your teeth.
- Drinking — When you’re outdoors in the Florida sun, it’s important to stay hydrated. The problem is that, during summer, we tend to look to sports drinks for hydration instead of good, old-fashioned water. We get that water is not always sufficient, particularly for those engaging in strenuous activity, but you should still limit your intake of these flavorful thirst quenchers. You see, while they may be full of electrolytes, they are also full of acids and sugars that harm your teeth. After you indulge in your favorite sports beverage, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water.
- Skipping Night Time Routines — When we’re exhausted from the hot sun, it’s easy to skip out on our dental hygiene routines in favor of a cool, comfy bed. Skipping brushing or flossing once won’t kill you, but what often happens is that you end up breaking a habit that you worked hard to establish. The next thing you know, it’s November and you haven’t flossed since May. No matter how tempting that bed is, don’t forsake your dental health.
No matter what the season, OUR entire dental team is here for you. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy your summer and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.
