Summertime is finally upon us, and you’ve probably got a lot of fun trips and festivities planned for you and your family! But before you kick things off, have you considered the state of your smile? No matter where you’re heading or what you’re doing, your oral health is not something that you should want to neglect. Here are some useful tips from your trusted dentist to help you keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best so you can focus on enjoying all of your fun in the sun!
Tip #1. Drink Plenty of Water
It goes without saying that water is by far the absolute best beverage you can drink—it benefits your body and keeps you cool and hydrated, but concerning your oral health, it’s actually a great protective measure against cavities. Water stimulates your mouth’s natural flow of saliva, which helps protect your teeth from cavity-causing bacteria. Tap water also often has fluoride added to it, which is a naturally occurring mineral that greatly benefits the enamel of your teeth. Instead of splurging on sugary and acidic sodas, energy drinks, and juices this summer, opt for drinking plenty of water instead! You might also opt for green tea, as it’s marginally better than many other choices.
Tip #2. Pack the Essentials
Whether you’re planning an extended vacation to a different country, road-tripping to visit out-of-town family, or gearing up for a staycation in the comfort of your own home, it’s wise to be sure that you’re prepared. Pack all of the essential oral care supplies: a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, and anything else you’ll need to maintain your teeth away from home. Being on vacation does not mean taking a vacation from brushing and flossing, so remain diligent!
Tip #3. Visit Your Dentist Before You Depart
In addition to caring for your smile on your own, it’s also advisable to visit your dentist before departing. You should be seeing them twice a year anyway, but given that summer falls right in the middle of the calendar year, it’s the perfect opportunity to attend one of your biannual checkups. This ensures that once you leave, you won’t have to worry about any lingering oral health issues, and you’ll be much less likely to experience any dental-related problems.
Talk with your dentist if you have any other questions about how to best care for your smile while you’re away from home—but the bottom line is that summer travel plans shouldn’t negatively impact your oral health if you make smart choices and use common sense.
About the Practice
White Clay Dental has proudly served patients and families in Newark for several decades. The practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services under the skilled leadership of Dr. Donald T. Bond and Dr. Timothy Ganfield. If you have any questions about the article or if you need to arrange a visit for you or a loved one before kicking off your summer plans, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (302) 731-4225.