Summer is a great time to relax and enjoy spending the longer days having fun. Some summer activities can be hard on your teeth. Not to worry, though. Observing some simple dental dos and don’ts will keep your smile in great shape.

At Jonathan F. Powell, DDS, we’re happy to help you with your smile care any time of the year! If you have an issue that needs attention or need to schedule your next exam, call us today at 281-944-4752 to visit our Richmond, TX office.

In the meantime, check out our list of summer dental dos and don’ts:

  • DO select healthy beverages, especially water
  • DO consider starting your orthodontic treatment
  • DON’T forget to schedule family exams
  • DON’T spend too much time in the pool
  • DO complement a tan with white teeth

Drink Lots of Water & Limit Other Beverages

Whether you’re poolside or working in the yard, you may like to keep a cool beverage by your side. The best choice for your teeth – and the rest of your body too – is water. It will help replenish liquid lost to perspiration. This is important any time of the year, but especially in summer. The danger to teeth is a decrease in saliva. Since saliva helps keep your teeth clean and cavity-free, dry mouth puts you at a greater risk for decay.

It’s best to indulge in sugary drinks like soda and acidic drinks like lemonade at meals or in other instances where you will consume them fairly quickly. Sipping on them all day keeps sugar and acid, two substances harmful to teeth, in your mouth for a long time. If you can, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and rinse your mouth with water after consuming these drinks.

Start Your Invisalign Treatment

One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is that it’s much easier to adjust to than metal braces. Still, the aligners may feel a little funny in your mouth at first and affect your speech until you get used to speaking while wearing them. With kids out of school and fewer hours at work for many of us, summer is a great time to start your Invisalign treatment. You’ll feel more confident when activities pick up in the fall!

Don’t Get Caught in the Back-to-School Rush on Exams

We know, it’s tempting to put off scheduling dental exams until the kids are getting ready to go back to school. It’s such a common impulse that many people do it. That can make it tough to schedule appointments for your crew, especially if you have several kids. Go ahead and get those exams on your calendar now.

Be Aware of Chlorine’s Effect on Your Teeth

Chlorine is added to water in swimming pools to kill harmful bacteria in the water. Unfortunately, it can also be hard on your teeth. Spending a lot of time in chlorinated water can discolor your teeth and may also weaken the enamel, making you more susceptible to cavities and other dental problems.

If you swim in your own pool, you’ll want to keep the pH levels of your water to no more than 7.8 Check the balance at least once a week. Look at railings, ladders, and similar areas of public pools. If they show a lot of erosion, that’s a sign the water may be too acidic.

It’s a good idea to rinse your mouth out with water right after you exit the pool. To avoid further weakening enamel, though, wait at least an hour before brushing teeth.

Complement Your Summer Glow With a Shiny Smile

Summer is a great time to try professional whitening. If you spend any time in the sun, chances are your face has a healthy glow that will look especially fantastic next to white teeth. We have a special offer for $20 off our already low price of $99 for home whitening. For just $79, you’ll receive 10 upper and lower whitening trays prefilled with professional bleaching gel. You can start whitening right away; no need to wait for trays to be made.

Questions about dental dos and don’ts? Give us a call at 281-944-4752.