How to Prevent a Dental Emergency During Your Summer Vacation

It was quite a long year, but summer vacation has finally arrived. You have numerous exciting activities planned, are taking a few extra days off work, and may even be heading to the beach to enjoy some time in the sun. However, if you aren’t careful, your summer could be impacted by a dental emergency. Continue reading to learn a few summer dental health tips to keep your smile save throughout this sunny season.

Use a Mouthguard

You should spend some time outside this summer to stay active. This helps you to remain in good health. The issue is that if you like to play contact sports, you are much more likely to experience an injury to your smile. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you need to stay on the sidelines. Instead, ask your dentist about custom-made mouthguards. They will help to keep your smile safe while your head is in the game.

Go Easy on Sugary Beverages

Whether you prefer sweet tea, cola, or a frozen piña colada, your teeth could end up in trouble if you are sipping on them too often. Drinks that are high in sugar put you at higher risk for developing cavities and other oral health issues. Save these beverages for occasions and sip on some water afterwards to wash them away from the surface of your teeth. When you decide to have one of these beverages, always use a straw to limit the contact that the liquid has with your teeth. This way, you can decrease your chances of developing oral health issues.

Limit Summer Snacks

While your family is away from the classroom or office, you are bound to spend some of the time indulging in snacks. If you do this on occasion, it isn’t typically a big deal, but having too many starchy or sugary snacks is very harmful, and your oral health could suffer. You definitely don’t want to be spending additional time in the dental chair to have cavities filled during your summer vacation. Avoid unhealthy snacks to prevent decay. If you are looking for something to munch on, choose something nutritious, like carrots, yogurt, string cheese, or salted almonds.

Don’t Skip Your Dental Cleanings and Checkups

You may not think there’s anything wrong, but your regular dental visits are still essential to your oral health. By catching issues early on, dental emergencies can be avoided. Ultimately, this means less time and money spent at the dental office in the long run.

Keep your smile in mind this summer by using the tips listed above. This way, you can enjoy your vacation dental emergency-free!

About the Author

Dr. Eric Buck earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Currently, he is an active member of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Columbus Dental Society, and the American Orthodontists Society. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office, visit his website or call (614) 228-4850.