No matter how grown up we are or how bogged down by responsibility we become, summer is a magical time. Perhaps that stems from our youth, when summer meant late bedtimes, weeknight sleepovers, hours in the pool, and cartoons all morning long. Whatever the case may be, we tend to throw caution to the wind during the summer — even as adults. At Dentistry by Angela Britt, we’re HUGE fans of summer, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t warn you about the dangers of summer. We’re not being dramatic: There are several things you may tend to do over the summer that could harm that beautiful smile. Here are a few examples:
- Swimming — You’re probably wondering how swimming could possibly affect your teeth. It’s a healthy activity, after all. The problem arises when you get chlorinated water on your teeth. The acids in chlorine can damage your enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. Since it’s pretty much impossible to avoid getting water in your mouth when you swim, be sure to rinse your mouth with tap water after you step out of the pool.
- Drinking — Not the kind of drinking you’re thinking about (although alcohol has its own drawbacks), though. We’re talking about those thirst-quenching drinks you crave when you spend hours in the sun. Sodas, lemonades, and sports drinks (that are often advertised as “healthy”) all have two ingredients that put your teeth at risk: acid and sugar. First, the acidity weakens the tooth enamel, which is your body’s first defense against decay. Then, the enamel weakened and porous, the sugar content stands a greater chance of penetrating the surface of the tooth, where it can cause decay. The best thing you can do for your teeth is drink good, old-fashioned water. If that’s not possible, be sure to rinse your mouth out after your finish your beverage.
- Being Physically Active — No matter how old we are, we tend to spend more time outdoors during the summer. If being outside involves physical activity, then you could be putting your teeth at risk. How? By not wearing a mouthguard. A simple pick-up game of basketball with the other guys in the neighborhood could result in a painful and potentially costly injury. Do yourself a favor and wear a mouthguard during any outdoor activity, particularly if contact is involved.
We want you to enjoy your summer. We certainly plan to! But we also want you to be aware of how your summer activities can potentially affect your teeth. Your smile is the first thing others notice about you, so whatever you do, protect and keep it as long as you possibly can. If you live in Brunswick, Georgia, or any of the surrounding communities, we’d love to be part of your healthcare team. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
