Tampa, FL 33626
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Believe it or not, summer is already here. As you spend time in the pool or indulge in cool treats to beat the heat, it’s important to protect your smile. If you aren’t careful, the season can leave a lasting mark on your oral health. There isn’t any reason to fret. Here’s how you can preserve your smile without dampening your summer fun.
1. Reduce your risk of tooth sensitivity.
Popsicles and ice cream are a great way to cool down on a hot day; however, you might be caught off guard by a sudden twinge of pain. Tooth sensitivity is a common problem, which can be caused by various factors, like exposed tooth roots, weakened enamel, or tooth decay. You can lessen the likeliness of dental pain by using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth. Hard bristles can strip away your enamel, making you more prone to sensitivity. It’s also best to visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup to ensure there aren’t any untreated dental issues lingering in your mouth, like gum disease or cavities.
2. Skip sugary or acidic drinks.
Lemonade, sodas, and sports drinks can quench your thirst, but they contain a lot of sugar. Cavity-causing bacteria thrive on sugar, which can erode your enamel. Your dentist recommends drinking water whenever possible to keep your smile healthy while preventing dehydration. If you can’t skip a sweet drink, don’t sip your beverage throughout the day. Instead, it’s better to drink it all at once and then rinse your mouth with water.
3. Wear an athletic mouthguard.
If you enjoy summer sports, like baseball, football, or skateboarding, you don’t want an unexpected trip to the dentist ruining your fun. Although you might believe it will never happen to you, 1 in 6 Americans has a dental emergency each year. Often, they are sports-related. You can significantly lower your risk of an urgent oral health problem by wearing an athletic mouthguard. It provides a layer of protection for your teeth, soft tissues, and jaw to lower the severity of an injury if there’s trauma to your face. While you can purchase one from a local drugstore, it’s better to visit your dentist for a mouthguard. They are custom-fit and made of durable material to benefit from maximum protection.
Enjoy a Healthy Smile for Summer
You can look and feel your best this summer by taking a few precautions to safeguard your smile. While you enjoy the warmer months, don’t forget to visit your dentist for a cleaning and checkup. They’ll ensure your teeth and gums are healthy to avoid an unplanned trip to the dentist.
About Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti
Dr. Ponnaganti has been helping patients achieve their best smiles for over 2 decades. Besides earning her dental degree, she has completed extensive advanced training in many specialties, including laser dentistry, dental implants, and oral sedation. As a member of various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, you can feel confident your smile is in good hands. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.