June brings warmer weather, summer vacations, outdoor sports, pool days, and plenty of opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately, the activities that make summer enjoyable can also increase the risk of chipped teeth, mouth injuries, tooth sensitivity, and other unexpected dental problems.
A few simple precautions can help you protect your family’s smiles and avoid an emergency trip to the dentist this summer.
Protect Your Teeth During Summer Sports
Basketball, baseball, soccer, skateboarding, biking, and other recreational activities can lead to accidental falls or impacts to the face. Wearing a mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, and jaw during contact sports and other high-risk activities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing a mouthguard when participating in contact sports or activities that could result in a mouth injury. A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important for children and teenagers involved in summer sports programs. Learn more from the CDC’s oral health tips.
Store-bought mouthguards can provide basic protection, but a custom mouthguard created by a dental professional may offer a more secure and comfortable fit.
Don’t Chew on Ice
Chewing ice may seem refreshing on a hot June day, but it can place significant pressure on your teeth. Biting down on hard ice can chip enamel, damage fillings, or crack a tooth.
Instead of chewing ice, allow it to melt in your drink. You can also choose chilled water or refrigerated fruit when you want something cool and refreshing.
The same caution applies to other hard foods, including popcorn kernels, hard candies, and nuts. Teeth should also never be used to open packages, tear tags, or remove bottle caps.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Hot weather and increased physical activity can make dehydration more likely. Dehydration may contribute to dry mouth, which occurs when the mouth does not produce enough saliva.
Saliva helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect the teeth from decay. According to the Mayo Clinic, insufficient saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores, and oral infections. Read more about the causes and effects of dry mouth.
Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially when spending time outside. Water is generally a better choice for your teeth than soda, lemonade, sweet tea, or sports drinks, which may contain added sugar and acids.
Be Careful Around the Pool
Running on wet pool decks, diving into shallow water, or playing roughly near the edge of a pool can result in falls and dental injuries. Encourage children to follow pool safety rules and avoid activities that could cause them to hit their mouths on hard surfaces.
Frequent swimmers may also notice changes in tooth sensitivity or appearance. Properly maintained pool water should not normally cause dental problems, but water with an improper chemical balance may contribute to enamel erosion over time. Avoid holding chlorinated water in your mouth, and continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Prepare Before Traveling
A toothache or damaged filling can quickly interrupt a family vacation. Before leaving town, make sure everyone packs a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss, and any dental appliances they regularly use.
It may also be helpful to schedule a dental exam before an extended trip, especially if you have experienced recent sensitivity, discomfort, or problems with an existing crown or filling.
The American Dental Association provides guidance on handling dental emergencies, including knocked-out teeth, cracked teeth, and objects caught between teeth. Review its dental emergency recommendations before traveling so you know what to do if an accident occurs.
What to Do When a Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. Pick it up carefully by the crown, not the root, and gently rinse away visible dirt without scrubbing it. Do not remove attached tissue.
When possible, place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it. If that is not possible, keep it moist in milk or an approved tooth-preservation solution and contact a dentist immediately. Acting quickly may improve the possibility of saving the tooth.
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be placed back into the socket because doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth beneath it.
Enjoy Summer Without Sacrificing Your Smile
Summer dental emergencies are not always preventable, but wearing a mouthguard, staying hydrated, avoiding hard objects, and following basic safety precautions can significantly reduce the risk.
If you experience tooth pain, swelling, a broken restoration, or an injury to your teeth or mouth, contact Thomas Dental Care as soon as possible. Our team can evaluate the problem, relieve discomfort, and help you get back to enjoying your summer.
June is also a great time to schedule a routine dental exam before vacations and summer activities begin. Contact Thomas Dental Care today to schedule an appointment and keep your family’s smiles healthy all season long.
