Summer is a great time to enjoy ourselves with friends and family on the beach, in the mountains or in the family yard. However, it is also a time when we tend to neglect our oral health routines.

Here are five great tips on how to keep your pearly whites healthy during the summer.

Schedule a dental check-up prior to your vacation

A great idea for starting your holidays is to get a quick check up with your Burien dentist to assure that your vacation will not be spoiled by toothache. You Burien dentist will make sure your dental health is in proper shape and in addition, could offer you some summer smile enhancing, like teeth whitening, which will fit perfectly with your summer tan.

Don’t neglect your oral hygiene

Keeping a good oral hygiene is the best prevention for dental problems and is especially important during the summer when we tend to consume more unhealthy snacks and sweets. To keep your pearly whites in shape, make sure you pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and plenty of floss. Floss is a great dental cleaning option for the summer, as it’s easy to carry along with you, so you can at least clean between your teeth after meals, if you don’t have the option to brush them properly.

Keep a balanced diet

When, if not during your summer vacation, should you enjoy tasty barbeques and refreshing ice-creams?! While it’s perfectly ok to indulge yourself from time to time, try to avoid too much sweets and processed foods, as well as soda drinks with added sugar. Instead, enjoy the juicy fruits and vegetables that the summer season has to offer. Organic fish and grass-fed meats can also be a great addition to your healthy summer menu.

Drink water!

Water is the perfect drink for your summer vacation as it’s not only great for your teeth but also for your skin and your entire body. Make sure you choose for pure water, as drinks with added sugar, flavors or carbonation can cause tooth enamel breakdown. Water can also be the perfect substitute of floss in situations where you can’t really keep your oral health routine. Thus, drink plenty of water during your vacation to stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean and fresh.

Be well prepared for sports activities

During the summer we tend to be more physically active, therefore you should consider protecting your teeth, while enjoying active sports. A custom-made mouthguard from your Burien dentist will decrease significantly the risk of a tooth loss or a mouth trauma – especially for your children.