5 Expert Tips for Achieving A Healthy Summer Smile

Summer has arrived, and many of us  are striving to look our best (and help our clients look theirs) in sunny Instagram snaps. Interested in helping people achieve a healthy summer smile Craig Anderson of Expressdentist.com provides these expert tips:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids during the summer is very important as the heat can cause us to lose water through sweat. Dry moth from dehydration can lead to tooth decay, increased plaque buildup, gum disease and thrush. Keeping on top of your hydration can make your summer smile radiant and help you feel refreshed.
2. Wear SPF on your lips: Applying sunscreen on a sunny day has become routine for many of us, but it’s important to not forget our lips when applying SPF. Our lips are not immune to burning, and UV damage on our lips can lead to lip cancer that would have a drastic impact on your oral health.
3. Stay aware of your summer sugar intake: During the summer months, many of us are keep on refreshing sugary snack and drinks, whether that be an ice cream at the beach or a cold cocktail at night. Sugary food and drinks are well known to cause cavities and tooth decay.
4. Make the most of the sun’s rays: Sunshine is a key source of vitamin D which we need for calcium absorption which is key for our dental health. Moreover, Vitamin D is crucial for good mental health, which will make you more likely to smile.
5. Maintain regular dental hygiene: Perhaps the most obvious tip, but it’s important to maintain proper dental hygiene at all times of year, including brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly and using mouthwash.

Dr. Gregg Grillo, DDS, of Expressdentist.com adds: “Good oral care belongs to every season, but summer brings special challenges. We tend to reach for more liquids when it's hot, and it's vital to drink plenty of water. Saliva is 90% water and helps protect teeth against decay by acting as an acid buffer. If we get dehydrated, saliva flow may decrease, and that could put the teeth at risk. People often reach for sugary drinks when they're thirsty, but that may also lead to increased decay. Drink plenty, but make sure water is your focus. On another note, people often use facial sunscreen but overlook their lips. Lips can be prone to cancer, so be sure to use lip balm with protection when you're out in the sun for extended periods.”