Brunswick, ME Dentist Shares Summer Safety Tips

The long days of Summer are upon us and many of us want to soak up all the fun we can have. There are many threats to your teeth you might not be thinking about. In order to keep your smile healthy, you must protect yourself from these dangers.

 

Chemicals in Pools

 

If you spend your days by the pool, you might end up with a brown or yellow stain to your teeth. This requires that a hygienist remove it. The cause is from being around high pH levels in the pool water. You can prevent this swimmer’s calculus with a good soft-bristled toothbrush and whitening toothpaste, but don’t brush too hard or you can weaken the enamel.

 

Chewing on Ice

 

Drinking those ice cold teas might tempt you to chew on ice, but you must avoid this at all costs. Chipped and cracked teeth regularly occur from ice chewing. 

 

Dehydration

 

When you spend time outdoors on a warm, summer day, it’s common to experience dehydration. Dry mouth results in dental decay. To avoid this, drink more water and chew sugarless gum to stimulate more saliva production. 

 

Sport Injuries

 

About 25% off all dental injuries that occur in children come from sports accidents. This doesn’t mean that they should avoid sports; they just need to protect themselves. Talk to the dentist about an appropriate mouth guard. Your child’s teeth will thank you.

 

Summer Snacks

 

Everyone looks forward to indulging in ice cream, popsicles and other sugary substances during summer. Lemonades and sports drinks aren’t just sugary, but they are acidic as well. This leads to weak tooth enamel and eventually cavities. Opt for sugar-free treats instead. If you must indulge, make sure you rinse your mouth with water and wait about an hour until you brush. 

 

Slippery Areas

 

If you are poolside or on a boat, watch out for wet surfaces. Slipping often leads to breaking a tooth or even knocking one out. If you do injure your tooth, make sure you get to the dentist right away for prompt attention.

 

The best thing you can do this summer is to prepare for the unexpected and protect yourself. Make your regular checkup appointment to look for any hidden issues happening in your mouth right now. Your Brunswick, ME dentist can be reached at (207) 729-4144.