With summertime in full swing, that means more time for doing the things we love to do and spending time with family and friends enjoying the “good life.”

However, with the season come a few added risks to your teeth and your smile. We want to let you know about these summer smile risks so you can take appropriate steps to prevent any damage. As always, if you have a question about your smile care or need to make an appointment, just give us a call at 559-608-3533 and our friendly staff will be glad to help.

Keep Your Body Hydrated This Summer

With many of us on the go during the hot summer months, it’s more important than ever to keep our bodies well hydrated. Being active out in the sun can quickly cause us to become dehydrated, which in turn can affect our saliva production. Adequate saliva is needed to wash away food particles and plaque from our teeth that can cause decay if left alone.

So, be sure to drink plenty of water during the day, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty. You can also pick up extra hydration in the foods you eat. Fruits such as strawberries, watermelon, peaches, and oranges, and vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and celery all contain high amounts of water and can supply you with added hydration when added to your diet.

The same goes for kids, as they can easily become dehydrated as well. Make sure your kiddos take in plenty of water and eat some of those foods with high water content. Doing so will help them protect their smiles and function their best.

Chlorine Can Wreak Havoc on Your Smile

Did you know that spending a lot of time in chlorinated water can damage your teeth? That’s right, chlorine that’s beneficial for keeping down bacteria in the water can actually do harm to your teeth.

If you spend several hours in the pool each week, you can begin to see deposits on your teeth left behind by chlorine. These deposits usually appear yellow or brown after constant exposure to chlorinated water. The good news is that we can remove the stains if necessary.

However, extended exposure to chlorine can actually begin to break down your tooth enamel, leaving you vulnerable to sensitive teeth, cavities, and brittle teeth. Once your enamel is gone, your teeth will require restorative dentistry to repair them.

That’s why it’s wise to limit your time in the pool if possible. Be sure to rinse your mouth with fresh water regularly if you tend to indulge in a lot of pool time. Doing so can reward you with a healthy smile and fewer trips to the dentist.

Protect Your Smile With a Custom Mouthguard

Summertime is the time for many outdoor sports, both organized and informal play. No matter what type of activity you’re participating in – if there are quick changes of direction, potential contact with other players, or a flying puck or ball – it’s wise to invest in a custom mouthguard.

The American Dental Association says that athletes who don’t wear mouth protection are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury than those who do. You don’t want to be on the wrong side of that statistic, do you?

Come see us to get a custom-fitted mouthguard. It will provide superior protection over one bought in the store. Plus, it will be more comfortable and last longer than an over-the-counter unit. When it comes to protecting your pearly whites, take the extra step of getting professional gear. You’ll be glad you did.

A little time and thought into your summertime activities will help make sure your smile stays intact during this busy season. If you have any questions about summer smile risks or if you need to make an appointment, just give us a call at 559-608-3533. You can also schedule online.