After a period of lockdowns, closed activities, curfew at 10pm and masks to be worn outdoors, summer has finally arrived and the pandemic, with the heat, has come to an end.
In spite of everything, we must not let our guard down.
Many will have already left for the summer destinations where they will finally be able to enjoy a break from the daily routine of work or school, but we must always remember to take care of our oral health.
Therefore, even if summer is a time of relaxation and "freedom", so to speak, we must not neglect our mouth and teeth.
Healthy mouth and teeth: advice from Centro Andriolo
Here are some tips that will help you have fun in the sun, keeping your mouth and teeth healthy all summer long.
Use your hands, not your teeth.
Our teeth are not tools. Often people enter our office with a chipped or broken tooth because they have decided to use their teeth to open bottles, wrappers, bags, etc.
While using your teeth may sometimes seem like a quick and easy way to get the job done, it can also cause a significant amount of damage if something goes wrong. The teeth are used to chew food; don't use them for anything else.
Protect your lips from UV rays.
Apply plenty of sunscreen so you don't get burned and stay hydrated in the sun. That's great advice, but sadly many people forget to apply lip balm with at least SPF 30 or higher when spending time outdoors.
Our lips are susceptible to sun burns, which over time can cause a number of problems including skin cancer. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors this summer, it is very important to take care of your lips with a quick and easy application of a lip balm SPF 30 or higher.
Limit the consumption of sweets.
During the summer break, many relax and start consuming less healthy food and drinks.
You have to have fun in the sun, but you need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. After eating foods rich in sugar, you should brush your teeth or at least rinse your mouth with water
Drink a lot of water.
It can be difficult to stay hydrated in hot weather, so drinking plenty of water is essential for your dental hygiene and overall health. When you are dehydrated, your mouth does not produce saliva efficiently. Saliva washes away bacteria and food particles, preventing plaque buildup and keeping your teeth and tongue clean.
Eat healthy foods.
During the summer break to maintain a healthy diet, we recommend stocking your fridge with seasonal fruit and vegetables, so that you always have healthy snacks available. They will do better for your teeth and for the well-being of your body.
Avoid chewing on ice.
Chewing ice is a popular way to cool off and hydrate at the same time. However, this habit can cause severe damage to the teeth. Munching on ice could chip or break a tooth, and the tooth will need to be removed if it breaks below the gumline. Instead of chewing on ice, it is recommended to drink a glass of cold water.
Stick to your oral hygiene routine.
During the summer, when children are out of school, it is typical for your routine to fall behind. That's fine. Summer is a time of fun and it is important that you allow yourself a little relaxation.
That said, a routine that cannot be compromised is your oral hygiene routine. Regardless of the time of year, brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day and flossing daily are essential for overall health and well-being.
Check-up visits at Centro Andriolo
You should have a dental checkup twice a year and summer is a great time to make an appointment. Our doctors will advise you on how to stay healthy throughout the year and check for signs of tooth damage or cavities. Regular check ups at your dentist can help keep your teeth clean and can help you discover dental problems at an early stage.