Summer can be a time when we’re out and about and often not home to take care of our teeth the way we usually do. If this sounds like you, read on for some special tips on how to stay healthy.
Stay Healthy Outdoors
Those of you who are campers know that after a few days it can be a real challenge to stay clean. We often lower our expectations to just keep our hands and faces clean and then jump into the nearest body of water to clean the rest. But I realized early on that no matter how grungy I got, I could always keep my mouth just as clean as I could if I was at home. It doesn’t matter where you are on the trail, you can always brush and floss your teeth twice a day. And I promise, the grungier you feel the better it will feel to have a really clean mouth!
The same principle is true during boating trips- if you are spending more than a day or two at sea you should buy a new toothbrush for the voyage and store it properly to prevent bacteria or mold. Make sure you have enough fresh water to brush twice a day, and be sure to stay vigilant on deck to prevent injury!
Stay Healthy During Busy Days
This principle can also be used if you have a really busy life. One of the things that I’ve come to rely on over the years is having a manual toothbrush, some dental floss, and a small bottle of mouth rinse stashed in a lot of different places.
I keep them in my briefcase, in my office drawer, in my glove box, in my car, and in my travel kit. This way, if I have to go someplace, and I don’t have time to stop at home, I can just brush, floss, and rinse and feel just as fresh and ready to go.
If I get rushed out of the house in the morning, the car is a great place to brush my teeth. As a matter of fact, I’ve always found that I brushed longer in the car than any other time because I’m in no rush when I’m stuck in traffic. But here’s a safety tip, don’t floss while you’re driving steering with your knees is not safe, save that for the traffic lights.
Maintain a Routine
If you have children who are out of school for the summer, you might be finding it hard to keep them (and yourself!) on a regular morning agenda. Your household probably gets chaotic in the summer if your children go to different camps or activities. Setting reminders or exact times when you brush your teeth can be incredibly helpful, especially when the whole family is on different schedules!
Choose a Healthy Diet
Summer is the time for ice cream trucks and lemonade! I would never expect anyone to give these things up, but there are ways to ensure that these sweet treats don’t impact your oral hygiene. When you can, try to choose water over sugary drinks. This is a better choice not only for your teeth but for your whole body! When you do indulge in something sweet, have water soon after and be sure to brush your teeth once you get home. Summer is also a great time for fresh local produce, so stop by your local farmers market to incorporate some fruits and vegetables into your diet. Pears, watermelon, and peaches are some examples of summertime fruits that are not bad for your teeth.
Be Safe
Outdoor activities can put you at greater risk of damaging your teeth. When you are hiking, boating, or playing sports, it is important to take precautions to prevent accidents. Especially for children, poolside tooth injuries become very common in the summer. Remind them, and yourself, not to run by the pool or use your teeth as tools to open objects or packaging. You should also remember to wear a mouthguard during physical sports- regardless of your age!
Have a great summer and I hope to see you smile soon!