Summer has arrived once again – the kids are out of school and it’s the season for beach trips, camping, long weekends at the cabin and countless other outdoor activities. As Winnipeggers, we know how important it is to make the most of these warm months before we face yet another long Manitoba winter. But even though your weekends are packed with plans to have fun in the sun, that’s no reason to forget about the health of your mouth and teeth.
To help you keep your smile confident, we’ve put together our top five tips to enjoy the summer while still keeping that smile sparkling:
Whether you’re catching your flight to your dream vacation or planning a week-long excursion into the woods, just because you’re more relaxed doesn’t mean your oral care routine has to be relaxed as well. Make sure you stick to brushing twice a day and flossing before bed as regularly as you can. Struggling with keeping your packing in order? Create an on-the-go kit full of everything you need and keep it stocked and ready to hit the road when you need it.
When you overheat, your mouth gets dry. And a dry mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. So, when you’re out and about make sure to drink plenty of water. Why water? Because water is the absolute best drink when it comes to maintaining optimal oral health. It’s free of damaging acids and sugars and helps to wash away lingering food particles and bacteria left over in your mouth. Plus, drinking lots of water is key to keeping your breath fresh and smell-free.
On the flip side, sugary drinks like sodas, blended drinks or fruit juices contain loads of sugar and are often quite acidic, the perfect combo for fostering tooth-harming bacteria. If you do choose to indulge in some frozen lemonade, try to swish some water around in your mouth afterwards to rinse away the residue.
Despite your best efforts, sometimes the worst happens, especially when you’re swimming, playing sports or otherwise being physically active. Always have a plan in mind for a sudden dental emergency like a cracked tooth or injured gums and mitigate the risk to your teeth by wearing a mouth guard when appropriate, avoiding using your teeth as tools and refraining from chewing on ice. Your teeth will thank you!
Don’t let your summer schedule get the best of you – make sure you book your back-to-school appointments early for yourself or any children in your life. Those spaces often fill up extremely quickly, and you don’t want to be scrambling for a last-minute checkup as September hits. Luckily, booking your appointment online is easy: just use the orange “Book Online” button on the right side of this page to schedule your next appointment.
From all of us here at Dental Image Therapy Centres, we hope you have a fun and tooth-safe summer!
Maybe it's time for your and your family's regular checkup and cleaning, you have a toothache or you need to get your treatment plan going - whatever the reason, we're here to help you get your confident smile. Whether you're a new patient or a returning friend, we can't wait to see you at your next appointment at either of our Winnipeg clinics!
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