Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities with friends and family. However, summer sports and activities can be very hard on your teeth and gums, so it’s best to be cautious. We recommend the following things to help protect your teeth and gums during the summer.
Wear a Mouthguard
The summer months are filled with outdoor fun. From barbecues to camping, the summer is full of outdoor activities. Whether you’re playing baseball, kickball, or a casual game of Frisbee, it’s essential to protect your teeth when participating in any sports activity.
Drink Enough Water
Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, especially if you are participating in athletic activities.
Brushing and Flossing
Brushing and flossing every day is the foundation of a healthy mouth. We recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing every day. While this may seem like a chore, it’s well worth it. Brushing and flossing will remove plaque and bacteria from your smile, keeping your smile healthy.
Avoid Chewing Ice or Hard Candies
Keeping your teeth healthy during the summer is easy when you avoid chewing ice and hard candies. Both ice and hard candies can crack or chip your teeth. A broken tooth is a dental emergency because bacteria can enter the pulp of the tooth and cause an infection.
If you do break a tooth, call your dentist immediately. The dentist may need to perform a root canal to remove the damaged tissue in the pulp of the tooth.
Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy With Proper Nutrition
Your nutrition plays an important role in your overall health. When it comes to oral health, your nutrition can directly impact your dental wellness. Unfortunately, many foods today contain high amounts of added sugars and simple carbohydrates. These foods can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
In addition to avoiding sugary foods and beverages, you should also improve your diet. Your diet should include plenty of fresh, local produce, whole grains, and lean proteins. Eating these foods will help protect your teeth from dental problems.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Professional teeth cleanings remove tartar buildup from below the gum line. Tartar buildup can’t be removed by brushing and flossing at home, so dental visits are necessary to keep teeth healthy.
At Johnson Family Dental in Paducah, we want to be your family dentist. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (270) 554-2432 or CLICK HERE to contact us. Johnson Family Dental is conveniently located at 2913 Lone Oak Rd in Paducah, KY. Our office is open most weeks Monday through Thursday from 8am to 5pm each day.