Our team at Carolina Bright Smiles hopes you’re able to keep smiling and beat the heat during the next few months of another hot summer in North Carolina.
We also hope you’re able to steer clear of dental emergencies.
That’s why we’re shedding light on a couple of habits you might look to for relief from the heat this time of year without realizing the threats they pose for your teeth.
2 Smile Saboteurs Of Summer To Avoid!
When it comes to quenching your thirst and staying cool during the summer, drink lots of water, wear breathable clothing, and make sure your air conditioner is in good condition!
Because you don’t want to rely on these two smile saboteurs of summer to find relief from the heat unless you don’t mind dealing with a dental emergency!
*Smile Saboteur #1 – Soft Drinks*
Actually, you probably already assumed this one, but we bet it’s not for the reason you’re thinking.
Many people assume that soft drinks are bad for their teeth just because of the added sugar.
True, but incomplete.
But let’s start with sugar. Soda contains a ton of sugar that can cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s the amount you take in that can sabotage your smile.
It’s actually the length of exposure, so you could do less harm to your teeth by drinking two soft drinks really fast than if you nursed on all afternoon.
So that’s the first problem. Next, the acid.
Soft drinks are incredibly acidic, which as you probably already know, does nothing but live for the destruction of your tooth enamel. Diet soft drinks are the same. The acids erode the outer layer of your teeth, leaving them weak and defenseless.
Not only can bacteria get inside your teeth and cause infection, but weak teeth can’t withstand undue pressure from blunt force or from just biting into a piece of steak the wrong way.
The point is, weak teeth are the most susceptible to dental emergencies.
*Smile Saboteur #2 – Ice*
This may be tough to learn, but ice isn’t the best way to stay cool during the heat of summer if you want to be kind to your teeth.
Chewing on whole cubes, or even crushed ice, can damage your tooth enamel.
If this is something you do rather often, and all year round on top of that, you’re likely to have quite of bit of surface nicks and cracks that you can’t detect with the naked eye.
But damage is damage, and it can leave your teeth too weak to withstand the pressure of tearing and chewing your food. One false move, and your tooth can break.
And there’s your dental emergency!
Schedule An Appointment
Dr. Garrett and our team want to help you live pain-free with a healthy mouth free of dental problems. We also want to make sure that when accidents happen, you get the treatment you need as soon as possible.
Count on us when you’re in need of emergency dental care in Hillsborough, NC!
Call Carolina Bright Smiles at 919-644-7400 or fill out our online form to schedule a non-emergency appointment.