Accidents can happen at any time, but we see a lot of dental emergencies during warmer seasons because we’re all much more active, and as a result, more at risk for dental problems.
So our team at Carolina Bright Smiles is here to highlight some common risks to your teeth during summer, how to keep your smile safe, and where to turn when dental emergencies happen in your family anyway!
Prevent Dental Emergencies This Summer!
Here are a few reminders about the unique challenges your smile can face during the summer months and how to protect your teeth in spite of them!
*Don’t Crunch On Ice Cubes*
We know it’s refreshing, especially in the hottest, most humid days of the season, but avoid crunching on ice cubes to stay cool!
A cold glass of water is safer and far more beneficial for your smile than ice because when it’s being crushed between your teeth, it can leave behind microscopic damage on your enamel where bacteria can enter.
This puts you at a higher risk for cavities and infection, not to mention the weakened state of damaged teeth can make you vulnerable to worse damage later.
Stay cool this summer, but don’t make your strong, healthy teeth pay the price!
*Don’t Put Your Teeth At Risk*
You’ve probably been there before.
You’re getting settled by the pool, making sure all the kids are lathered with sunscreen and that the swimmies are snugly wrapped around their arms.
And through the chaos and excitement, you use your teeth to tear open the package of your new pool raft. You could’ve gone back inside to grab a pair of scissors, but it’s too much of a hassle to round up all the little ones, bring them in the house with you while you go on a hunt for the scissors, trying to recall when you used them last.
While it’s tempting to settle for the convenience of using your teeth as tools for things that aren’t food, you could risk damaging your tooth enamel. If you thought going back inside to grab a pair of scissors was a hassle, think of what a dental emergency would do to your family’s afternoon swim if you chipped, cracked, or broke a tooth!
*Maintain A Teeth-Friendly Diet*
During the summer months, families set out for road trips and vacations for a brief change of scenery since many of the kiddos have at least some time off from school.
But even those of us who stay home during time off from work or school know what this time of year does to our routines.
You might find yourself too distracted to maintain your usual oral hygiene regimen. But it’s always important to keep up with daily brushing and flossing, no matter the changes to your schedule or environment.
On top of that, like many people, you might also be eating differently during time off.
It’s fun to indulge a little bit now and then in foods that aren’t exactly healthy, but if you’re consuming extra sugar, refined carbs, and acidic foods and drinks, you’re at a higher risk for tooth decay and cavities.
Our rule of thumb when it comes to special treats is to practice moderation, eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet every day, and to drink lots of water throughout the day, whether you’re on vacation or not!
Find Dental Care When You Need It!
Even with these tips and all the precautions you take to safeguard your smile, dental emergencies can and will happen, so it’s important to know what your treatment options are.
You don’t have to let a dental injury or a toothache derail your summer fun if you remember to call Dr. Garrett for an emergency appointment.
We’ll do everything we can to get you in as soon as possible, end your pain, and treat your dental problem.
For help with your Hillsborough, NC dental emergencies, call us right away at 919-644-7400 or fill out our online form to request a non-emergency appointment.