Summer’s here, bbq’s are planned, pool is filled and ready for action, sports are ongoing, and its all about making memories. Routines? They’re out the window. But here are a few key reminders to help keep your family’s oral health in check during these summer months.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
Water is one of the best things you can do for your oral health. A dry mouth can actually feed those cavity causing microorganisms, allowing them to flourish and cause those pesky cavities. Water will help keep your mouth moist, all the while helping to wash away food particles and
loosen the sticky bacteria we call plaque from the teeth. Saliva levels can drop significantly if the body is dehydrated, so keep water on hand, and stay hydrated!
Pack Those Snacks!
Day trips galore! It’s that time of year, we pack up the cooler and head to the beach or the park for the day. Snacks are a must, but choosing the right snack is important! There’s a few key things we look for in teeth friendly snacks- avoid foods that are sticky and sweet, or highly
acidic. Snacks we love: apples, carrots, cucumbers with humus, cheese, yogurt, nuts. Chose foods that come from straight from the food guide, unprocessed, nutritious foods that are both healthy for our bodies and our teeth!
- Did you know? Goldfish are the number one cavity causing snack item! Why you might ask? Goldfish are a simple carbohydrate, which means when they break down they turn into sugars. The orange sticky goo gets caught in all the crevices of the teeth and stays there for long
periods of time. It’s a recipe for a cavity, sugar + time.
Routine?
Who said anything about summer and routines? We all know too well that routines and summer vacation don’t always go hand in hand. Staying
up late, sleeping in… our oral health routines are on the fly. It’s important to remember to brush twice a day for two minutes. So even if your sleeping in till 9:30, 10… 11am for those teenagers- don’t forget to start the day with brushing when you wake. Overnight while you sleep, your mouth continues to create more and more bacteria, get rid of it when you wake and start the day off right.
Summer Drinks- Look Great, But Are They?
It seems like July and August hit, and all eyes are on the slushies, the iced coffees, the sport drinks and those pretty Starbucks lemonades with all the appealing colours. Unfortunately, all of these drinks tend to have high levels of sugar. They taste great, but pack a pretty powerful punch to our enamel. It’s important to choose water over sugary drinks, as the sugar will aid in cavity production. Prefer flavoured water? Opt for cucumber slices instead of lemon, it adds a nice refreshing taste, without adding acidity to the water, a much safer alternative!
Our team is here to help your family enjoy a healthy, confident smile all season long. Whether it’s time for a routine cleaning and checkup, or you have questions about your oral health, we’d love to see you. Book your appointment today, and smile bright all summer long!