June has arrived, and with it comes the unmistakable wave of the Alabama summer heat. Whether you are spending your days lounging by the pool, firing up the grill for a backyard cookout, or heading out to the lake for the weekend, summer in Montgomery is all about making outdoor memories. While you’re busy packing the sunscreen and tracking down the beach towels, it’s important to keep your oral health in mind.
The intense summer sun brings some unique challenges for your teeth and gums. At Montgomery Dentistry, we want to help you keep your smile glowing all season long. Here are a few simple, practical ways to protect your teeth when the temperatures start to sizzle.
Double Up on H2O
When the temperature reaches the nineties, your body loses moisture quickly through sweat. This rapid dehydration can lead to a sudden drop in your saliva production, causing a condition known as dry mouth. Saliva plays a massive role in protecting your teeth because it naturally washes away food particles and neutralizes harmful acids produced by bacteria.
To keep your saliva flowing and your teeth protected, make clean water your go-to beverage. Carrying a reusable water bottle during outdoor activities ensures you can rinse your mouth frequently. Choosing water over sugary sports drinks or ice-cold sweet teas will save your enamel from continuous acid attacks and keep your breath fresh in the heat.
Keep an Eye on Pool Time
If your summer plans involve logging serious hours in the swimming pool, your teeth might be exposed to more chlorine than you realize. While pool chemicals are necessary to keep the water safe and clean, improperly balanced pool water can become surprisingly acidic.
Over time, prolonged exposure to acidic pool water can break down your tooth enamel or cause yellowish stains known as swimmers’ calculus. You don’t need to skip the pool to protect your teeth. Simply rinsing your mouth with fresh tap water immediately after swimming can help wash away any residual chemicals and keep your enamel strong.
Choose Smart Summer Treats
Nothing beats the afternoon heat quite like a freezing cold popsicle, a scoop of ice cream, or a colorful snow cone. While these treats are a staple of the season, they are often packed with sugar and artificial dyes. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar, using it to produce the acids that cause cavities.
Try to enjoy these sugary treats in moderation, and look for tooth-friendly alternatives when possible. Chilled watermelon slices, frozen grapes, and sugar-free yogurt pops are incredibly refreshing choices that supply essential nutrients without the heavy sugar load. If you do indulge in a traditional sweet treat, drinking a glass of water afterward will help minimize the dental impact.
Protect Your Lips from the Sun
When we think about sun protection, we usually focus on our shoulders, faces, and arms. However, your lips are highly susceptible to sun damage. Prolonged ultraviolet exposure can cause your lips to become dry, cracked, and severely blistered, which can make smiling, drinking, and eating uncomfortable.
To keep your entire smile healthy, use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher whenever you head outdoors. Reapply it frequently, especially after swimming or drinking water, to keep your lips hydrated and shielded from the sun.
Schedule a Summer Maintenance Visit
Summer is a time for relaxation, but your oral hygiene routine should never take a vacation. Between the changing schedules and the increase in sugary snacks, your teeth need regular professional care to stay on track.
A professional cleaning at Montgomery Dentistry is the perfect way to reset your oral health for the season. We can remove the hardened tartar that brushing cannot touch and ensure your smile is healthy before your summer travels begin.
Ready to kick off the season with a healthy smile? Call Montgomery Dentistry at (334) 279-0760 to schedule your cleaning, exam, or consultation. Let’s make this year a healthy one for you and your family, starting with your smile!
