27 June 2023

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10 tips to prepare and maintain oral health in summer

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Summer offers opportunities to relax and even abandon basic oral hygiene measures. It's a practice that is not advisable, since during the summer it becomes even more necessary. In summer, there is usually an increase in pathogenic bacteria in the mouth due to the change in daily habits.

Taking time off from oral hygiene practices combined with the increase in the consumption of sugar and alcohol are factors that increase the risk of oral pathologies in summer.

The Spanish Society of Periodontology (SEPA) not only reminds people of the importance of maintaining these healthy routines, but the organization also points out a dozen basic recommendations to keep teeth bright and healthy during the summer season:

1. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated on hot summer days, but also helps keep your mouth moist and reduces the risk of dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.
   
   
2. Use sunscreen on lips. Protect your lips from the sun by applying a lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF). The skin of the lips is very sensitive and can burn easily.
   
   
3. Brush and floss regularly. No matter how busy you are during the summer, don't forget your oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. You may also use a mouthwash to supplement the care of your mouth. You may not be able to brush after every meal during a vacation, but what you should always do is brush your teeth at night, before you go to sleep and also after breakfast.
   
   
4. Reduce your consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol. Soft drinks, fruit juices and summer cocktails can be refreshing, but they are also full of sugar, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. And, without a doubt, alcohol consumption poses a significant threat to the aesthetics and health of the teeth, as well as being a frequent cause of bad breath.
   
   
5. Protect your teeth in water sports. If you participate in water sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from bumps or damage.
   
   
6. Don't use your teeth as tools. It may be tempting to open a soda bottle or snack bag with your teeth, but this can cause tooth damage and fractures. In fact, it is one of the main causes of urgent visits to the dentist in summer.
   
   
7. Limit snacks. Summer can bring an irregular schedule and more temptations to snack between meals. Try to limit these snacks and choose healthier options when you can.
   
   
8. Visit the dentist. Take advantage of the free time that summer gives you to make your periodic visit to the dentist. Professional cleaning and an oral exam can help keep your teeth healthy and detect any problems early.
   
   
9. Maintain a balanced diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables are not only great for your overall health, they're also good for your teeth. Avoid sticky, sugary foods that can stay on your teeth.
   
   
10. Don't forget about tongue hygiene. The tongue can harbor bacteria that cause bad breath and other oral problems. Brush it or use a tongue cleanser.