Summer is celebrated as a time for relaxation and adventure, but it is not without its risks for your dental health. While many popular summer activities are great ways to have fun and get exercise, it can be a little too easy to injure your teeth in the midst of all the action. Here’s a brief list of fun things to do during the summer, how they can lead to dental injuries if you aren’t careful, and how to keep your grin in great shape.
Swimming Can Lead to Tooth Injuries
Swimming is one of the most popular things to do during the summer, and it’s a great way to get exercise, prevent drowning, and have tons of fun. However, slips and falls due to wet surfaces are responsible for quite a few chipped and cracked teeth, which is why it’s important not to run around the pool. It’s also worth noting that people who spend more than six hours a week in chlorinated water can be at risk of developing brownish or yellowish stains on their teeth, which is also called swimmer’s calculus.
The best way to address swimmer’s calculus is to see your dentist regularly for professional cleaning. This process will restore your teeth to their original white and shiny state and will also help prevent and treat other oral health issues like cavities.
Contact Sports Can Damage Your Bite
Many people love to enjoy a friendly game of basketball, football, or soccer during the summer, and while all of these are excellent ways to get active, learn teamwork, and have fun, they are known for causing quite a few dental injuries. These games involve a lot of kinetic energy flying around, and a blow to the mouth can break, chip, or dislodge teeth. Luckily, your dentist can provide you or your child with a customized mouthguard that provides superior protection while playing contact sports.
Summertime Treats Can Lead to Tooth Decay
Many people associate summer with ice cream trucks and a laxer attitude towards snacking. While popsicles and soda can be tasty treats, they are high in sugar and acids that feed harmful oral bacteria and cause tooth decay. While it’s okay to enjoy these items in moderation, take care to wash them down with plenty of pure water and to practice excellent oral hygiene afterward. This will mitigate the damage they can do and help you maintain a pretty smile for the fall.
Summer should be a time for fun, not dental injuries and tooth decay. With the right precautions and habits, you can make sure your summertime memories are full of pretty smiles.
About the Author
Dr. Alberto Lamberti has a decade of experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where he remained to complete a Fellowship in Implant Dentistry. Now, he offers a comprehensive array of services to meet all your dental needs. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to provide lifelike restorations to rebuild your smile. You can request an appointment on the website or call (561) 338-7535.