Summer is a time for outdoor fun, family vacations, and warm sunny days that seem to stretch on forever. As the weather heats up and the kids are out of school, it’s the perfect opportunity to put some extra focus on your oral health routine. After all, you’ll want your smile to be just as bright and radiant as those summer rays. Here are some tips from Mason Dental to keep your teeth sparkling throughout the season.
Stay Hydrated
Everyone tells you to drink plenty of fluids in the summer heat, but did you know that it can impact your teeth!? Dehydration occurs quickly when out in the sun, which can quickly lead to dry mouth if you don’t drink enough fluids. Dry mouth allows bacteria to multiply more rapidly, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and make an effort to sip from it regularly, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty.
Watch Your Summer Treats
Summer brings an abundance of sweet, acidic treats like popsicles, lemonade, and ice cream. While perfectly fine in moderation, you’ll want to enjoy these sugary indulgences sparingly. The acids and sugars can erode enamel over time, making your teeth more prone to cavities and sensitivity. If you do have something sugary or acidic, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterward and brush your teeth! Better yet, reach for smile-friendly snacks like crunchy vegetables, nuts, or cheese.
Don’t Forget Your Floss
With vacations, summer camps, and general relaxation of routines, it can be easy to let your normal dental hygiene habits slide. Make a conscious effort to keep flossing daily, even if you’re away from home. Small travel flossers are inexpensive and can easily slip into a toiletry kit, purse or backpack. Taking just a couple minutes to floss removes plaque and food debris that brushing alone misses.
Protect Your Chompers
Many favorite summer activities like baseball, softball, swimming, and biking carry at least some risk of dental injury. Invest in a properly fitted mouthguard to wear during sports, as well as shatterproof sunglasses if you’ll be cycling, running or playing frisbee. At the pool, avoid teeth grinding by refraining from using your teeth as equipment to open packages, bottles, or snapping pool toys. Accidents can lead to chips, cracks, and even knocked out teeth if you’re not careful. If you do end up with issues with your teeth, Mason Dental can help fix your smile and get you back to your summer vacation!
Stay on Schedule
With kids home during summer break, it’s one of the best times of year to book routine dental cleanings and check-ups before vacations or summer activities kick into high gear. Many dental offices offer special pricing or promotions to attract patients during this period of increased flexibility and availability. At Mason Dental, we provide first timers with a New Patient Complete Exam deal, while regulars can choose to save on the Mason Dental Plan!
Don’t skip these important preventative appointments – they allow your dentist to remove hardened plaque, check for any emerging issues, and keep your smile in top shape.
Brighten Your Smile
If your teeth are looking a bit dull or stained after a long winter, summer is the ideal time to explore professional whitening treatments. Dentists can lift away years of staining from coffee, wine, smoking and other culprits in just one or two short sessions. The results are dramatic and long-lasting when you start with a stunning smile that’s free of cavities and gum disease. At Mason Dental, we offer teeth whitening to help brighten your smile to its full potential!
Don’t Let Dental Woes Derail Your Summer Fun
Tooth pain, a cracked tooth, or other acute dental problems have a way of putting a damper on your summer plans. If you do experience any issues, don’t delay getting them checked out and treated as soon as possible. At Mason Dental, we can usually provide same-day emergency appointments to address the needs of our patients promptly. Left unresolved, a small problem like a cavity can escalate into a bigger headache involving root canals or extractions that force you to put summer fun on hold.
From backyard barbecues to beach vacations, summer is the season to soak up plenty of sun, fun, and quality time with friends and family. With some simple yet consistent attention to your oral health routine, you can ensure your bright, healthy smile is picture-perfect all summer long. After all, those sun-kissed memories are meant to last a lifetime.
Talk to your primary dentist about any of these issues if you have questions. If you do not have a regular dentist, we would be happy to help serve you as well!
Contact Mason Dental
817-481-4717
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
801 W Wall St
Grapevine, Texas
76051
