You have been waiting all year for summer to come around again. You have many exciting things planned. Whether you’re going to be hanging out by the pool, having barbeques with your friends and family, or heading to the coast for a beach vacation, you’re in for a summer of beautiful memories. However, summer won’t be as enjoyable if you end up with a dental emergency. Here are some tips to prevent one from happening to you.
Get a Mouthguard
Spending time outside and staying active is 100% crucial in order to stay healthy. However, if you like to play contact sports, you are much more likely to experience a dental injury and need immediate dental treatment. Fortunately, you don’t have to be inside hiding from all the fun going on out on the field. Instead, just ask your dentist about custom-made mouthguards. This way, you can keep your smile safe while having fun!
Save Sugary Drinks for Occasions
Whether you prefer sweet tea, lemonade, or a frozen piña colada, your teeth will be in trouble if you have them too often. Drinks that are high in sugar can put you at risk for developing tooth decay and other oral health issues. Save these beverages for occasion and sip on some water after you enjoy one. When you decide to have one of these beverages, use a straw to limit the contact that the liquid has with your teeth. This way, you can decrease your chances of developing dental problems.
Go Easy on Summer Snacks
When your family is away from the classroom or office, you will probably spend some of your time indulging in yummy treat. Doing this now and again isn’t usually a big deal, but having too many starchy or sugary snacks is very harmful and your oral health could suffer. You don’t want to be spending additional time in the dental chair to have cavities filled. Cut back on unhealthy snacks to prevent decay. If you are looking for a snack, choose something nutritious, like carrot sticks, cheese, or salted almonds.
Attend Regular Dental Checkups
You may not think there’s anything wrong, but your regular dental visits are still important to your oral and overall health. By catching any problems early, dental emergencies can be avoided. Ultimately, this means less time and money spend at the dental office.
Don’t put your family’s smiles at risk this summer. By taking the steps listed above, you are in for a season to remember!
About the Author
Dr. Bruce E. Carter is an experience dentist who has been practicing for 36 years. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He also attended the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, where he completed the Cosmetic Dentistry Continuum Level II. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (770) 995-7616.