As summer arrives, so does a plethora of sweets and fruits. While these things can be fun, it is important to be aware of your teeth and their needs as well. One of the main causes of tooth decay is sugar adhering to your teeth. Eating too many sugary things can eventually cause cavities. So here are a couple of tips to make sure that your teeth stay healthy this summer season.
Have an Oral Hygiene Routine
Caring for your teeth is the first step in preventing tooth decay. We recommend brushing at least two times a day. The morning and evening routine often works well for many people.
Brushing right after you have sugary foods can help, but is often not necessary.
Flossing and using mouthwash are just as important as brushing your teeth. Including mouthwash and flossing when your brush your teeth are the easiest way to have a healthy hygiene routine. Having these hygiene habits will keep your teeth healthy throughout the summer.
Brushing on Vacation
Summer is great for getting out of the house and having some family fun. But, during the summer, remembering to set aside time for oral hygiene can be difficult if you are out traveling or camping, so a timer or alarm on your phone might help.
If you are a parent, you could plan time into your vacation each day to get up and have the family brush their teeth at the same time. You can also do the same before bedtime!
Swap Processed Sugars for Fruit Sugars
Cobblers, pies, and sugary snacks abound during the summer. Eating these in moderation is great! They make you smile and bring enjoyment to summer meals and get-togethers. Moderation is important though. If you are feeling the need for a sweet snack, consider picking up fruit instead of processed sugar.
Processed sugar is more likely to decay your teeth than naturally occurring sugar. During the summer, many good fruits are in season and can be eaten without any preparation, so they are as quick as they are delicious. Many fruits have vitamins and minerals that support healthy teeth, so not only are you avoiding tooth decay, you’re preventing it by eating fruit!
Eat Foods That Support Healthy Teeth
Like fruit, many other foods have vitamins and minerals that support your teeth. There are also a lot of kid-friendly choices out there—if you have a picky eater. Give these a try:
- Dairy, milk, and cheese have needed calcium and are often enjoyed by children and adults. Yogurt can even be a fun ice cream replacement.
- Carrots and celery are a fun snack, and the celery can even pair with peanut butter to be more nutrient-rich or filling.
- Leafy greens can be harder to get a kid to eat, but they are calorie and nutrient-rich. Adding kale or spinach to a salad can add a fun crunch and texture.
- Nuts have lots of protein and other plaque-fighting nutrients. They are a great crunchy snack to replace things like chips or fries.
Remember that avoiding tooth decay is not always about what you remove from your diet, but also what you add!
Schedule an Appointment with Your Dentist
As part of your dental routine, we recommend that you see your dentist at least twice a year for regular cleanings and check-ups. Scheduling one of your checkups in the summer and one near the winter holidays helps your teeth stay clean throughout the year. Your dentist can also check your teeth to make sure there is no decay.
Visit Vibrant Dental for your summer teeth cleaning, and make us part of your summer routine!