After the stress of the past year, you and your family are looking forward to your summer vacation more than ever. Whether you’re flying overseas to an exotic beach, taking a road trip across the country, or simply visiting the neighborhood swimming pool, summer is unfortunately rife with threats to your smile. If you’re not careful, you or your loved ones could develop a toothache or break a tooth. Here are six tips that you can take to prevent dental emergencies from ruining your fun this summer.
1. Stay on Top of Your Oral Hygiene
Whenever someone goes out of town, their oral hygiene routine tends to fall by the wayside. However, forgetting to brush and floss every day can cause bacteria and plaque to build up on your gums and teeth. Over time, this can lead to cavities and infections that are so painful that they will prevent you from enjoying your vacation to the fullest. Make sure to set reminders to brush your teeth twice a day and floss before bed.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
It’s always important to stay hydrated, especially during the brutal Texas summers. Lemonade, sports drinks, and sodas are all popular beverages to help you stay cool. Because they’re also extremely sugary and acidic, though, they can damage your tooth enamel and cause decay. Drink ice-cold water instead to beat the heat and avoid cavities.
3. Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
It’s hard to limit snacking during vacation, but try to replace cookies, candies, and other highly processed foods with mouth-healthy ones. Cheese, yogurt, nuts, and fresh fruits are great ways to keep your loved ones’ smiles and bellies happy!
4. Protect Your Pearly Whites
Sports-related dental injuries, like cracked teeth or a busted lip, are common during summer. Minimize your risks for these painful situations by ensuring everyone wears a protective mouthguard over their teeth.
5. Pack a Dental Emergency Kit
Sometimes, accidents can happen despite your best efforts. Make sure you’re prepared by packing a dental first-aid kit that includes:
Your dentist’s contact informationA small container with a secure lidGauze padsA handkerchiefSaline solutionLatex-free gloves
6. Visit Your Dentist Before Leaving
Schedule a checkup and cleaning for everyone in the family before your getaway. That way, your dentist can detect any potential problems that could cause complications during your vacation. By getting them treated beforehand, you can enjoy the peace of mind that your loved ones’ smiles are as healthy as can be.
Your summer vacation should be about relaxing with your family, not recovering from a dental problem. Follow these tips to prevent dental emergencies and keep your pearly whites safe for many more summers to come.
About the Author
Dr. David Crumpton is a family dentist in Trophy Club, TX with almost 30 years of experience in the field. He strives to stay up to date on the latest dental technology and techniques, so he usually takes two or three times the amount of continuing education courses required by the state of Texas. Although he takes a preventive approach to oral health, his practice offers same-day care for patients with emergencies. To learn more about safeguarding your smile this summer, you can contact Dr. Crumpton at (817) 491-3344.
