As the weather gets warmer, our routines invariably change a bit. Consequently, there are some related oral health issues that our Elmhurst dentists want you to keep in mind! Keep reading to get more information.
The first thing to remember is that many of our favorite warm weather treats can put our smiles at risk. Frozen treats like popsicles and ice cream, as well as refreshing drinks like lemonade and Kool-Aid can be high in sugars and acidic substances. As we indulge in these treats, we can take a few proactive steps to minimize resulting dental damage:
1. Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking some of these things, so that sugars do not sit on your smile long-term
2. Drink plenty of plain water. We know that there are lots of yummy drinks out there! But water is great for your body and for your smile; plain water rinses away dental debris and allows your body to produce smile-boosting saliva.
3. If you are enjoying a hard popsicle or ice treat, do not chomp on these things! You may inadvertently be causing micro-cracks and chips in your enamel.
When warm weather comes around we are also more likely to get outside and take part in some extreme physical activities and contact sports. If you or your children are gearing up to start a new physical activity, please make sure that you have the right, well….gear.
Talk to our dental team about whether you should be using a protective mouth guard during these activities. Trust us: it is so much better for our patients to use customized mouth guards to prevent dental damage, rather than deal with dental damage after it pops up.
Our Elmhurst dentists are here to help you with any dental issues you may be experiencing, and we can also answer any questions you may have. So give us call to speak to our friendly team!