Willow Dental Care Network

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8 Tips for a Healthy Smile This Summer!

wdc sunscreen_coupleYou’re all over the sunscreen and sun shades to keep your skin and eyes healthy. Now what about your oral health?

We’ve brought you our top tips to keep you and your family’s health and safety in check this summer.

1) Water. It’s the number one health tip (water battles are up with sunscreen for top billing each summer) but it can’t be stressed enough. The human body is made up of approximately 70-percent water. A 2008 study concluded that muscular power decreased by up to 19% at a dehydration level of 3% . Not only does it keep your tissues hydrated and healthy but drinking water after a less than healthy snack can help to wash away unwanted sugar bugs and food debris that cause cavities.

2) Fruit. Packed with water, not only does it help with hydration but certain fruits are summer’s super friends. Watermelon increases the natural SPF in your skin. With a high water content and low sugar content, watermelon makes a wonderful summer snack or blended as a drink! Did you know that apples contain malic acid, which is a component in teeth whitening products to dissolve stains? There is a benefit to every fruit. Isn’t it great that when there is hot sun, it is also the season with the most access to local fruit!

3) Keep your friends close..like a handy travel sized oral health kit. It is great as the days go long and you don’t make it home before your next event. Two minutes with your travel toothbrush and nothing will stop your fun.

4) Keep it clean. You probably brush your teeth after washing your face in the morning and at night. But if you’re brushing your teeth on the go, remember wash your hands first. A bit of hot water and soap will go miles to keep out unwanted bacteria you’ve picked up at the beach or hot banisters.

5) A dry brush is a happy brush. Whether you are travelling through Europe or brushing your teeth after cotton candy at the beach, it’s good to remember that a wet toothbrush is where bacteria can grow. Dry it as best you can with a paper towel before putting it back in it’s case. When you get back to your residence, even if for the night, rinse it in hot water and set it out to dry. If you’re driving, set it out in your cup holder for a while to let it dry before packing it away.

6) School is out! Summer is the best time to book your kids dental appointments. We know they are busy with summer camps and family vacations, but it’s always better to get their teeth checked and have any extra work done when they don’t have to miss school.

7) Swimmer’s Calculus. Sounds gross? It is. If you or your child spend more than 6 hours swimming in a pool there is a chance that yellowish/brown stain can appear on your teeth. This happens when the chemically treated pool water’s pH is higher than saliva. Most of us don’t spend this amount of time in a pool but if you have a kid who thinks they are a merperson it does happen. Luckily the stains can be removed by your hygienist.

8) When travelling in foreign countries with doubtful water quality, try to rinse your toothbrush and mouth with purchased water or hot tea.

Now get outside and enjoy that sun! Vitamin D helps to create strong bones and teeth. You don’t want to miss out on that kind of fun!

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