As ‘Summer 2011’ is now upon us, we thought we’d share a few tips and tricks to keep your teeth and gums in perfect condition when enjoying the long warm days (we hope!), trips to the seaside, outdoor BBQs etc..
During the summer holidays, we all actually tend to snack a little more on sugary, sticky foods and fizzy drinks; these will inevitably contribute to tooth decay if we don’t practice good oral care. Remember….. brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, which will help to remove food, stains and plaque and help keep the teeth and gums in tip-top shape this summer.
Remember also to floss which will help remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush simply can’t reach. If you’re not able to brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sugary food or drink, we would recommend that you rinse with water to help wash it away and neutralise any acids created by decay producing bacteria.
Sugary drinks
Avoid frequently sipping sugary drinks and juices or frequently sucking on sweets and mints.
Balanced diet
Lack of regular exercise and not maintaining a normal body weight tend to stem from unhealthy eating habits which in turn place that person at an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you are serious about your health – and your teeth – you should take regular exercise, eat a healthy, balanced diet and maintain a normal body weight.
If you have gum disease, your dentist or hygienist will usually give your teeth a thorough clean to remove any scale or tartar. This may take a number of sessions to complete. They will also teach you how to remove the plaque yourself, by daily brushing and flossing all the surfaces of your teeth thoroughly at home.
Did you know that chlorine, a chemical used as a disinfectant in swimming pools, can actually erode and weaken teeth??? If you are often exposed to pool water, make sure you attend your dentist to have your teeth and gums regularly checked.
Moderate sun bathing – there are many reasons why people shouldn’t lay out in the sun, but when it comes to teeth, casual and moderate sun exposure is beneficial as it increases Vitamin D – essential for maintaining a healthy smile
Refreshing summer snacks – fruit is always a popular snack during summer, so it is important to know which fruits are better for your teeth. Did you know that Watermelon, due to it’s high water content, helps clean teeth and gums, whereas citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit tend to cause erosion and weakening of tooth structure. If you love citrus fruits, make sure you rinse your mouth with water after you eat to wash away the harmful acids which can weaken the enamel.
Keep well hydrated – activities in the hot summer weather can often lead to dehydration and dry mouth, which in turn may increase the risk of tooth decay. Sucking on hard sweets that are artificially sweetened or chewing on sugarfree gum is ideal to help stimulate the production of saliva, eliminating this problem. Naturally, it is also very important to drink plenty of water.
Have a great Summer Holiday, from all the team at Shelbourne Dental Clinic.
