The wonderful summer season is almost upon us! We hope you can relax and enjoy a nice vacation but we don’t want you to relax with your oral hygiene routine! Take care of your teeth this summer by following our tips and advice below and keep your smile bright and beautiful all summer long!
Make Your Back To School Dental Appointment
Before you let your brain relax on vacation, make sure your next dental hygiene appointment is scheduled. We recommend regular cleaning every six months to keep your smile in its best shape. If you have not already scheduled your next cleaning, get it scheduled, mark your calendar, then enjoy your summer break!
You can click to schedule an appointment with Montgomery Dentistry or call our office at 334-279-0760.
Put Together an Oral Hygiene Travel Kit
If you are on the go a lot this summer, it would be worthwhile to put together an oral hygiene travel kit. Be sure to include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. When you are ready to pack, just grab your kit and go. Then you will never be without the essentials to keep your teeth clean no matter where you are!
Grabbing a travel toothbrush with a cap covering the bristles is tempting, but it may not be the best idea. Our toothbrushes do the dirty work of keeping our teeth clean and can harbor a lot of bacteria. Combine leftover moisture, and residual bacteria with a cap that restricts airflow for a long period of time and you may create a breeding ground for bacteria. If you insist on using a travel toothbrush with a cap, be sure to let it air dry completely before replacing the cap!
Reward the Routine!
With the beautiful freedom of no school during summer, many kids easily fall out of routine with their regular brushing. Consider using a teeth brushing chart to help keep them brushing twice a day! Try this free printable teeth brushing chart to hang in the bathroom. Laminate it or slip it into a clear plastic sheet protector to use with a dry-erase marker for easy marking. Set a goal and when the kids have been consistently brushing, reward them with some extra screen time, a fun activity, or a little later bedtime!
Pack Healthier Snacks for Long Travel
For long days spent in the car, snacking on junk food often helps us pass the time. Replace a few of those snacks with healthier options that can be better for your teeth. Celery, apples, and other high-fiber fruits and veggies help to stimulate saliva production which can help keep your teeth healthier.
Resist the Urge to Chew on Ice
We know that during hot summer days, it is tempting to cool off by chomping down on ice cubes. Ice cubes are very hard on your teeth and can cause damage. Try to resist the urge to bite down and chew ice cubes and instead savor the refreshing cold ice slowly!
Use a Straw!
Sipping on a soda is one way many like to pass long hours in a car or plane. If you cannot resist that sugary drink, use a straw to help keep the sugary sweetness from hitting your teeth. It is not a perfect solution but can help a little to keep your teeth healthier! Little things done consistently can have bigger impacts!
Stay Hydrated with Water
Be sure to drink plenty of water during the hot summer months! That parched feeling in your mouth is one of the first signs of dehydration. Saliva production is diminished and your teeth can suffer the consequences. Drink up and stay hydrated and reap the benefits of a healthy body and mouth all summer long!
Montgomery Dentistry is Here to Help Take Care of Your Teeth This Summer
Our team at Montgomery Dentistry is here to help you take care of your teeth this summer. If you are behind on your scheduled cleanings, take advantage of the break in your busy schedule to make your teeth a priority. From all of us at Montgomery Dentistry, we hope you have a fun and memorable summer vacation!
-
Dr. Amy Morrison Anderson
