5 Tips for Avoiding a Dental Emergency This Summer

Summer is finally here, which means it’s time to slow down, kick back, and take a well-deserved break. But before you head out the door, make sure you haven’t forgotten one of your most important assets: your smile. While the hottest season is best known for epic vacations and lazy days, it can easily be a danger to your oral health if you aren’t prepared. Here are a few ways to protect your mouth this summer so you can relax during your time off.

Visit the Dentist

Whether you are leaving town or chilling out at home, summer is the perfect time to schedule your semi-annual dental checkup. That way, you can get your teeth squeaky clean before you start snapping all those vacation selfies; plus, you won’t have to worry about being sidelined by an unexpected cavity or other dental emergency. Furthermore, if you do need any dental work done, you’ll have more time to recover before it’s time to get back to work.

Eat Healthier

While summertime has no shortage of sweet and sticky treats, don’t throw your diet out the window. It’s fine to indulge in the occasional ice cream cone or saltwater taffy but be sure to balance it out with a variety of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy, and lean meats. Be careful about what you drink, too. Sports drinks, fruit juices, sodas and slushes are all refreshing on a hot day, but they can all damage your teeth, so be sure to follow them with water and limit how much you consume.

Practice Pool Safety

Pools are a great way to cool down during these sweltering months, but they can put your oral health at risk for several reasons. Excessive chlorine exposure can cause permanent tooth discoloration, so be sure to keep your mouth closed when you swim. Do not run on slippery pool decks, as it can be easy to fall and injure your mouth and be careful when jumping in or out of the water, especially around hard pool edges.

Pack it Up

If you will be traveling, don’t forget to pack a dental emergency kit that includes the following items:

• A toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Over the counter pain medicine
• A small empty container
• Gauze
• Saline solution
• Your dentist’s contact information

Be Well Equipped

If you wear a bite guard, dentures, retainer, sports guard, sleep appliance, or clear aligners, don’t forget to pack them when you hit the road, along with any care accessories you may need to keep them clean and protected when you’re not wearing them.

Remember, summer is all about having fun. Don’t get sidelined by a dental emergency.  Protect your oral health with these tips and you’ll stay smiling all season long!

About Dr. Gaches

Dr. Mark Gaches enjoys not only improving the oral health of his patients but helping boost their self-esteem too. Whether you’re looking for a cosmetic treatment, a semi-annual exam, an emergency appointment or a dental restoration, Dr. Gaches and the team at Infinite Smile Dentistry are here for you.

To schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call 918-338-6448.