Are you already planning your summer getaway? Regardless of where you go or what you do, don’t forget to prioritize your oral health amidst the fun. While vacation may be the perfect opportunity to put responsibilities on the back burner, neglecting your teeth could have severe, permanent effects. Read along for five oral health tips to keep your smile safe this season.
Stay on Track with a Travel Kit
While traveling, it can be challenging to keep up with your oral hygiene routine since every day brings something different. However, brushing your teeth and flossing every day is critical, even during summer vacation. Stay on track by packing a kit with travel-sized essentials, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss. Having your necessities within arm’s reach will make it much easier for you to care for your smile while on the go!
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do for your oral and bodily health. It keeps your mouth hydrated, preventing bacteria growth that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, water helps wash away plaque-causing bacteria, sugars, and starches. If possible, opt for fluoridated water! It has the added benefit of strengthening your enamel and making your teeth more resistant to decay.
Avoid Chewing Ice
Have you developed a habit of chewing leftover ice after a cold drink? While it may be a satisfying treat, eating ice can have detrimental effects on your oral health. It can cause cracked or chipped teeth and erode your enamel, increasing your risk of tooth decay. It may also increase your sensitivity to extreme temperatures. If dropping this habit sounds unimaginable, try eating finely shaven pieces of ice instead (i.e., snow cones or slushies). These sweet treats are gentler on the teeth while still satisfying your craving!
Protect Your Lips
Everyone knows to lather up with sunscreen before spending an entire day under the sun. Unfortunately, lips are often forgotten about in this process, even though they’re just as susceptible to sunburn as other parts of the body. The skin on your lips is much thinner and contains less melanin, making them vulnerable to sun damage and increasing your risk of skin and oral cancer. Protect your mouth by wearing a moisturizing lip balm with SPF 30+ and reapplying frequently.
Wear a Mouthguard
People spend more time participating in outdoor activities during the warmer months. Unfortunately, some of these seasonal activities (i.e., swimming, basketball, biking, volleyball, and more) can increase your chances of a chipped or cracked tooth, fractured roots, and cut lips. Prevent these mouth injuries and keep your teeth safe by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard.
Keeping your smile safe will help you enjoy it for many summers to come. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your much-needed time off without putting your oral health at risk!
About the Author
Dr. Edward J. Dooley brings over four full decades of experience to Dooley Dental. He’s always willing to go the extra mile for his patients and provides them with dedicated, personalized, and high-quality dental care. Make sure your smile is summer-ready by scheduling a checkup with Dr. Dooley via our website or call (732) 974-2288.
