Dear summer, How eager we were for you to arrive!! and more living in Tenerife ( Canary Islands). With the arrival of heat, We all expose ourselves more hours to the sun, Our schedules, Eating routines and habits change, and spend more time away from home. Whatever your plan for this holiday, You've probably already got your sunscreen.
But, What about protecting your oral health in summer? Have you ever wondered how this season of the year affects the health of your teeth and gums?? According to the General Council of Dentists of Spain, Inadequate oral hygiene and high temperatures facilitate the proliferation of oral bacteria in summer. Therefore, It is key to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine and good hydration if we want toShow off a healthy and well-cared for smile during the summer.
The Effects of Summer on Oral Health
It happens every year. The summer months are here, Temperatures rise, We leave the house more, Our Diet Changes, We eat ice cream, refreshing drinks and in some cases very sugary, We don't follow the same routine of brushing our teeth, etc. In short,, Summer is one of the most conducive times of the year for the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth, which contribute to an increase in oral pathologies such astooth decay or gingivitis that can cause halitosis in the patient, bleeding gums or tooth hypersensitivity.
Here are some of the most common oral problems during the summer, Therefore, taking into account a series of basic recommendations will help us start the summer with the certainty that Our oral health will remain healthy and cared for During these hotter months. See, One-on-one, what are the main guidelines that we can follow and that are recommended by the General Council of Dentists of Spain?.
Oral hygiene habits in summer
During this time of year, It's important Do not neglect oral hygiene.SinceMarso Clínica Dental We recommend brushing your teeth three times a day or after each main meal, it is a habit that we should also maintain during the summer season. It should not be forgotten that dental floss is a very important ally to prevent interdental caries, as well as using a suitable mouthwash that your dentist can recommend if you have specific needs.
However, During the summer it is not always possible to carry out proper cleaning or, simply, We neglect it. In these cases, sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol, along with mouthwash rinses, They could be emergency alternatives that can be used on an ad hoc basis.
Nutrition and oral health in summer
During the summer it is normal forLet's neglect meal timesand, in general, Feeding. It's a time when people tend to drink more carbonated and sugary drinks, Ice cream, Alcoholic cocktails, juices or smoothies, Fast or ready meals, etc. We are talking about foods that generate a series of acids in the mouth that can demineralize and damage tooth enamel. This makes the teeth more unprotected against the attack of cavity-causing bacteria and increases the symptoms of hypersensitivity when we drink very cold foods or drinks.
Our advice is that Don't neglect your hydration during the summer and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps counteract the acids in these types of foods, thus neutralizing the pH of our saliva, The main mouth protector.
Sport and oral health in summer
Have you ever thought about how sport can be related to our oral health?? We all know that summer is the time when we most want to practice outdoor sports, which implies that Trauma is also more frequent and that cases of tooth loss or breakage are on the rise, especially in the case of the youngest members of the family.
In these cases, It is important to "act as quickly as possible, Preserving the tooth in saline solution, or, failing that, water, salted water, milk, or keeping it in your mouth and going to a dentist urgently", as recommended by the General Council of Dentists.
And something that many people don't know about is the so-called "swimmer's tartar", A dental alteration that can affect those who practiceWater sports, such as swimming or water polo. Being submerged for many hours (We are talking about swimmers who train many hours a day), there is an imbalance between the natural pH of the teeth and the pH of the water, which can lead to the appearance of dark or yellowish stains on the teeth.
Hydration, vital for your oral health
In relation to the previous point, by increasing the intensity or frequency with which we do sport in summer, It's also easier to get dehydrated. Loss of liquids and mineral salts, along with the high temperatures and the greater effort that is made and the tendency to breathe through the mouth, It causes salivary flow to decrease and the mouth to be more unprotected against the attack of bacteria and acids.
Our advice from Marso Clínica Dental , It's all over again, Take great care of the hydration of our body to protect the health of our teeth, and in general. Drink two liters of water a day and eat foods with high water content such as fresh fruit, Vegetables will help to ensure that the level of hydration is adequate, helping to maintain good oral health also during your holidays. The water bottle, In summer, Always at hand and wherever you go!
Your oral health in summer, Our Priority
We never tire of saying it: The best care for your teeth starts with prevention! Perform regular dental checkups, at least twice a year, It is the best way to take care of your oral health in summer and before enjoying your holidays. The arrival of summer is, No doubt, A good time to do it!
In the case of the youngest members of the family, it is especiallyIt's important to check that your teeth are healthy and strong for the holidays, Their habits and routines are completely different from those they follow during the school year. They are the ones who enjoy this time of year the most – their long-awaited school holidays!- and so that they can live them in the best health, inMarso Clínica Dental We have a team of paediatric dentists with extensive experience in prevention, Care and Treatment of Children's Oral Conditions. And the fact is that, Is there anything more beautiful than a child's smile??
Whether you've planned a trip outside the islands or are enjoying the Canary Islands , Remember thatourMarso Clínica Dental It is still open during these summer months to help you with everything you need, Have a complete check-up of your teeth and give you all the keys so that you know how to take care of your oral health in summer. Who doesn't like to show off a beautiful smile during the summer?? Visit us and enjoy the peace of mind that your teeth are healthy, Strong and well-cared for.