5 Dental Tips for a Summer Full of Smiles

Summer has arrived! As you make plans to fill your summer calendar with trips to the beach and book your exciting vacations, another plan you may want to consider is how you will maintain your oral health this season. Neglecting your teeth and gums for any amount of time can lead to decay, damage, stain and an expensive dental bill.

Take time to commit to your family's oral health routine now, and avoid costly, unnecessary procedures in the future.

Here are our top 5 dental tips to keep your smile healthy all summer long. 

1. Create and Maintain an Oral Hygiene Routine

Healthy Brushing

One of the healthy habits you can adopt to promote oral health is brushing your teeth twice a day. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush helps control bacterial plaque buildup. Brushing after meals aids in removing food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums.

Correct Flossing

Flossing at least once a day to remove bacterial plaque and debris left from food will help to prevent gum disease. The floss should be inserted gently between your teeth. Next, curve the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth, gently moving it against the tooth and below the gum line in an up-and-down motion.  Pro-tip: Use a new section of floss between each tooth so that you don’t put germs back in your mouth. 

Use Mouthwash

Rinsing with a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and prevent or remove gingivitis. Although rinsing helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth, please remember that using mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing or brushing. 

Brushing, flossing and rinsing all work together to create healthy habits and a healthy mouth.

2. Drink Water

During the summer heat, our bodies tend to lose more fluids and require replenishment more often. While the beverage options available are endless, water is an excellent choice for both your body and oral health.

Water not only keeps you hydrated, but it also benefits your oral health. It rinses away food residues and reduces the acids created by bacteria in your mouth. Sipping water after a meal or a summer snack can even assist in preventing tooth decay!

Water keeps your body hydrated and helps produce saliva, which defends against tooth decay by delivering calcium and phosphate ions to restore enamel. You will want to avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice, which can contribute to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Choose water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean and healthy.

3. Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods

A balanced diet supports your oral and overall health. Another way to care for your teeth is to incorporate foods that strengthen teeth and reduce inflammation.

Smart choices include:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale, which are high in Vitamin C to fight gum inflammation

• Dairy products like cheese, milk, and yogurt, rich in calcium and casein to strengthen enamel and reduce acid levels

Snacking smart is especially important during summer when sugary treats and acidic beverages are more common.

4. Protect Your Teeth From Damage

Mouthguards are a valuable investment for protecting your dental health while enjoying summer sports. Contact sports, such as football and martial arts, should always require the use of mouthguards for participants. Even if mouthguards are not mandated as protective gear in your sport, it’s still advisable to use them. The cost, inconvenience, and trauma of a chipped or lost tooth due to a sports injury greatly outweigh the expense of a custom-fitted mouthguard.

5. Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment

Summer is a busy time, but regular visits to the dentist will help keep your smile bright and healthy. During your exam, Dr. Spitzer can detect early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other concerns before they progress. Professional cleanings also remove hardened tartar that brushing and flossing alone can't eliminate—protecting your gums and supporting long-term oral health.

Scheduling your appointment is quick and easy. Contact us online or call us at (949) 642-1670 to book your visit today. Your healthiest summer smile starts here!