In Michigan, summer means long days at the lakes and barbeques in the warm sun. It is a time for hot grills, cool drinks, and lots of smiles with family and friends. It is easy to forget about how fun summer activities can be for your teeth while you are busy mastering the grill and making tasty snacks.
Do not worry! This article gives you the important information you need to keep your smile healthy and confident all through the summer months and social events. For more summer tips on how to keep your teeth healthy, head over to a dentist office on 5th street!
Getting your smile ready for summer.
For example, your car needs the right fuel to run well, and your body needs the right food to keep your smile healthy. Water is very important. Dehydration can cause a dry mouth, which makes it hard to taste things and makes less saliva.
It is very important to have saliva because it washes away food bits and stops germs from growing. To keep from getting dry, take a reusable water bottle with you and drink from it often during the day.
Do not just think about water! Another great way to stay hydrated is to eat fruits and veggies, which are nature’s water bottles. Berries, watermelon, and melons are all foods that naturally have a lot of water in them. Carrots and celery, which are crunchy, clean your teeth naturally by making you salivate and gently brushing them.
When you cook, pick the right foods. Choose lean types of protein, like turkey, chicken, or fish. Besides being good for your heart, these are also easier on your teeth than tougher foods.
Do not drink too many sugary drinks; they make you gain weight and hurt your teeth if you have to, enjoy it with a meal and then rinse your mouth out with water.
Beyond the grill – treats for summer and your teeth.
Ice cream cones and popsicles are popular treats in the summer because they are easy to eat too much of. While it is fine to enjoy these cool treats in small amounts, remember to do so in balance. When you eat sweets, they make your mouth more acidic, which can weaken your tooth enamel and make you more likely to get cavities.
If you just can not say no to a cold treat, take your time and enjoy every bite. When you do this, your teeth are exposed to sugar for less time. You might also want to rinse your mouth out with water after eating these sweets. This helps get rid of any sugar that is still there.
Do not forget that drinks that look healthy, like fruit juices and sports drinks, can have sugars that you do not even know about. Even though they taste great and give you energy, they can have a lot of sugar.
Most of the time, water is better than sugary drinks. If you do choose a sugary drink, mix it with water or rinse your mouth out afterward.
Keep up with your dental care routine – summer edition.
Even in the summer, it is important to keep your mouth healthy all year long. You should floss every day and brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time to get rid of food stuck between your teeth and stop plaque buildup and gum disease.
Bring a small toothbrush and toothpaste with you so you can clean up quickly after eating or playing outside. If you can not brush your teeth, chew sugar-free gum to make saliva. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your lips to avoid getting sunburned and to raise your risk of getting lip cancer.
If you want a summer full of tasty food, fun times with friends, and a healthy smile, follow these easy steps. Enjoy your treats wisely, take care of your teeth, and make plans for a great summer.
