Summer is a time for sunshine, adventures, and outdoor BBQ’s! While you enjoy the season’s delights, it’s essential to keep your mouth healthy. Here are some tips to maintain a bright, healthy smile all summer long.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is crucial not only for overall health but also for your oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, lowering the risk of cavities and bad breath.

Limit Sugary Drinks

Sugary beverages like soda, lemonade, and sweet iced tea are tempting during the summer but can be harmful to your teeth and can lead to decay. Try fruit-infused water instead!

Protect Your Lips

The sun can damage your lips just like they can your skin. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from harmful UV rays. This simple step can prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of lip cancer.

Don’t Skip the Routine

Maintaining your daily brushing and flossing habits is important, especially during the busy days of summer. Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles.

Avoid Chewing Ice

While it might be tempting to chew on ice to cool down, it is a habit that can damage your teeth. Chewing ice can cause cracks in your enamel or lead to a broken tooth. Instead, enjoy cold drinks without ice or opt for chilled water.

Snack Wisely

Whether at picnics, barbecues, or while traveling, summer often means more snacking. Choose mouth-friendly snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and nuts. These options not only provide essential nutrients but also help clean your teeth and gums.

• More Cheese! – Snack on a cheese platter or add cheese to your burger. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are low in sugar and high in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen and protect tooth enamel. Additionally, research indicates that increasing your intake of dairy may reduce the risk of developing gum disease.

• Try Going Seedless – Avoid getting food stuck in your teeth by eating seedless foods. Try hamburger and hotdog buns without sesame or poppy seeds as well as cut up fruit like apples or seedless watermelon. 

• Say Goodbye to Toothpicks – Toothpicks are sharp and can cut gums, allowing bacteria the chance to get in. Stick to your usual floss!

Your Smile…Our Inspiration.

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