You may think you are all set for summer, but your teeth and gums may have other ideas. It is always a great idea to take inventory of your body as a new season approaches. Here are some tips and tricks for getting your teeth and gums at their summer best.
First, Even Your Lips Need Sunscreen
Oral cancer has many causes, but one of the major causes for people who do not drink or smoke heavily is sun exposure. If your lips have repeated sun exposure for years without sunscreen, your chances of getting skin cancer are about the same as someone who is a heavy smoker or drinker. Before you go out into the sun, you need to guard your lips against skin cancer by applying sunscreen. When you are outdoors and you reapply sunscreen, do not forget to include your lips to keep protecting them throughout the day.
Dry Mouth
One of the problems with summer is dehydration. We are all outside more often participating in sports, which means we need to be sure we are hydrating effectively. If you do not hydrate effectively, you can suffer from dehydration, which leaves you vulnerable to heat exhaustion. One of the symptoms of dehydration is dry mouth. When your mouth gets dry, you are allowing the bacteria in your mouth time to multiply, leading to cavities and periodontal disease. One way to combat dry mouth and dehydration is to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day. If you take medication, such as medication that causes dry mouth, you may want to drink more.
Dingy Teeth
Summer is the perfect time to show off your sunny smile. If your smile is less than white and perfect, you can take some time to whiten your smile. You can start by using whitening toothpaste or whitening strips. One of the best benefits of tooth whitening is that it makes your tan look better, and you look younger as well.
Not sure if your teeth are ready for summer? We can help. Contact our office today to make an appointment with our dentist.
