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Proper Oral Care for Long Summer Months

by TLC Dentistry · published July 15, 2015 · Last updated November 18, 2021 · 3 min read Rinse Your Mouth with Water throughout the Day During the long summer months, it is essential to prevent cavities and gum disease with routine oral health care. Throughout the summer, you might keep busy with more activities outside where there is no running water available to brush teeth after consuming meals. Get in the habit of carrying bottles of water with you to rinse your mouth out after eating at fast-food restaurants or picnic locations. If you are prone to having food stick between the narrow spaces of teeth or near the gums, then have dental floss in a vehicle’s glove compartment or in a handbag. Continue to Brush and Floss Your Teeth Not only should adults make sure to continue taking care of their teeth and gums in the summer, but parents must remind children and teenagers to maintain their dental care routines. When your children are in school, they are accustomed to brushing their teeth after breakfast and in the evening before bedtime. However, daily routines change drastically in the summer as children often have a different schedule such as sleeping late in the morning and staying out later at night. As a parent, you must remind them to brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Keep a Supply of Dental Care Products Your child might go away for the summer to sleepover camp where they are not told to brush and floss after eating sticky foods such as marshmallows and potato chips, leading to a mouthful of plaque and decay when they return home. To avoid oral health issues at the end of summer before returned to school, make sure to have your children get new toothbrushes, dental floss and their favorite flavor of toothpaste to take with them to camp, friend’s houses or long vacations with families. Remind your children that even though you are not around to tell them to floss and brush, that failing to care for their teeth will lead to problems in the future. Wear Protective Mouth Guards While Playing Sports If you or your children are participating in more sports during the long summer months, then visit a dentist to get a customized mouth guard to protect teeth and gums. Remember that children grow rapidly, leading to needing a new mouth guard frequently. You can also buy over-the-counter mouth guards that are suitable to use when on a vacation or while a customized one is being made. Summer is also a great time to consider having your children begin to wear orthodontia such as traditional metal braces or clear removable aligners. By the time school starts in the autumn, your child will have adjusted to wearing braces and know how to take care of the devices to avoid damage. Drink Water and Protect Facial Lips from Sunlight It is definitely hot and sunny throughout the summer, but an important part of oral health care is remaining hydrated and taking care of facial skin, including the lips. You might remember to apply sunscreen creams and lotions to your face while forgetting to use protective lip care products. Unfortunately, sunburns, discolorations and skin cancer from dangerous ultraviolet rays can occur on the sensitive facial lips too. In addition, you must make sure to drink a lot of water in summer to improve hydration of the mouth’s tissues. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, but you can increase hydration by enjoying delicious fresh fruits and vegetables that contain moisture and nutrients to eliminate dryness of the gums, cheeks and tongue. Follow these Guidelines during the Summer Proper oral care for adults and children during the long summer months includes: • Wearing a customized mouth guard while playing sports • Brushing your teeth as least twice a day • Rinsing your mouth with water after eating • Flossing your teeth once a day • Using fluoridated toothpaste • Maintaining a regular oral heath routine • Consuming a healthy diet • Drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated • Visiting a dentist for dental care