Summer is a time for sleeping in, relaxing by the pool, taking vacations, and enjoying the outdoors. But it’s also a great opportunity to take better care of yourself. While you can improve your overall health by walking or running, you can work to boost your smile with various oral hygiene tips. Read on to discover four ways you can keep your pearly whites looking their best during your time off.
Make an Appointment with Your Dentist
June is Oral Health Month, so there is no better time to schedule a regular checkup and cleaning with your dentist than now. These visits offer added benefits to your smile because of the professional examination and cleaning you will receive.
Apart from the oral hygiene habits you practice at home, a qualified professional can review your teeth, gums, bite, and other nearby tissues to determine if any problems may exist. If so, actions can be taken immediately to help get your smile back on track.
Be Mindful of What You Eat
The summertime might be ideal for enjoying certain foods that you wouldn’t eat normally throughout the rest of the year, but it’s not an excuse to throw caution to the wind when it comes to your diet. Even while enjoying a more relaxed vacation, eating the right foods will prove beneficial to your waist and your smile.
Lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, low-fat dairy, and other nutrient-rich options will help to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Keep Travel-Size Oral Hygiene Products Nearby
If you’re going on vacation or just going to work, make sure that you have a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss nearby. Keeping these items in a small pouch will help you to avoid the excuse of being unable to care for your smile throughout the day.
Bacteria and food particles can accumulate, eating away at your tooth enamel. But with the proper instruments and products to combat harmful particles, you can reduce your risk of cavities and keep out of the emergency dental office this summer.
Stay Hydrated
Water is your friend year-round, but especially during hot summer months, staying hydrated is essential. Not only does your body need it for energy, but it serves to keep your salivary glands working and your mouth flushed out of bad bacteria.
While a cold soda or energy drink might sound like an enticing beverage, skip the extra calories and carbonation. Instead, opt for water and its effective way of boosting your oral and overall health.
Let your smile shine this summer. By adopting these oral hygiene habits this time of year, you’ll be eager to show off your pearly whites and enjoy everything a healthy smile has to offer.
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry and has been practicing dentistry for more than a decade. Opening Aegis Dental in 2012, she has extensive training in various areas of dentistry and is always ready to assist in helping patients maintain and enjoy healthier smiles. If you are looking for ways to keep your teeth and gums in optimal shape this summer, visit our website or call (972) 492-6700 to find out how we can help you.