It’s hot outside, and that means one thing: it’s officially summer in Lake Orion! From picnics to barbecues, swimming to sunbathing, summer activities can easily put a smile on anyone’s face, and, believe it or not, so much of your day-to-day activity has a big impact on some aspect of your health.
Unfortunately, a lot of the things that make summer fun can also be harmful to your smile. Follow these tips to keep your smile sparkling this season!
Ocean vs. Pool
Chlorine, which is used in most swimming pools, can erode and weaken teeth over time. The salt found in ocean water, however, decreases bacteria in the mouth, providing a healthy oral environment.
Limited Sun Bathing
Overexposure to the sun can be harmful, but casual and limited time in the sun increases your level of vitamin D, which is essential to maintaining a healthy smile and body. Vitamin D and calcium, which is the number one helper of healthy bones and teeth, work hand in hand. They rely on each other to fully absorb into the body, so get outside and soak up the sun! Wear sun screen and drink plenty of water, of course.
Refreshing Summer Snacks
Fruit is always a popular summer snack, so it’s important to know which fruits are better for your teeth. The high water content in watermelon helps clean teeth and gums. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, can cause enamel erosion because of their high acidity. If you love citrus fruits, rinse your mouth with water after you eat them to wash away the acids. If you have a sweet snack, be sure to brush your teeth about half an hour after you eat. Believe it or not, immediate tooth brushing after you eat does more harm than help. During this period following a snack or meal, your tooth enamel is soft, which makes your teeth vulnerable to damage. Give your enamel, which is the natural protection of your teeth, enough time to reharden by waiting 30 minutes to brush.
Natural Remedies for Teeth Whitening
Believe it or not, strawberries are considered a natural remedy for brightening your smile. Rub them on your teeth to remove all stains. Rubbing the inside of an orange peel on your teeth can also help whiten them, or try brushing your teeth with a mixture of apple cider and vinegar. If you’ve these natural teeth whiteners and still aren’t happy with your smile, talk to Dr. Greenfield about professional teeth whitening.
Maintain Hydration
Dehydration is one of the biggest problems during long, hot summers. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which can cause serious tooth decay, so protect yourself by drinking plenty of water, sucking on artificially-sweetened hard candies, or chewing sugar-free gum to promote saliva production and keep your mouth moist.
For more summer fun and dental health tips, visit Lake Orion Family Dentistry’s website and blog. Dr. Brad Greenfield and his team look forward to seeing you in their dental office in Lake Orion, Michigan. To schedule an appointment, call (248) 693-6213.
