Summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the many outdoor activities in Bend. Whether it’s swimming, biking or hiking, there’s plenty to do in Central Oregon. But these activities can leave your smile exposed to potential risks. In order to take full advantage of summer in Bend, don’t forget to prepare your smile! Here are some tips to ensure your smile is looking and feeling its best all summer long.
Protect Your Teeth Against Decay
Summer activities can be taxing on your teeth and promoting good oral hygiene is a key to a healthy and beautiful smile. You might be more likely to eat or drink sugary foods during the summer months. Excessive snacking on candies, chips, or sodas can lead to tooth decay. It’s essential to brush your teeth after eating sweets and acidic foods to prevent decay from occurring. Consider carrying a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your back pocket so that you can clean your teeth while on the go.
Wear a Mouthguard While Playing Sports
With the arrival of warm weather comes the familiar sound of a leather ball being hit with a baseball bat, tennis racket or soccer ball. A lot of fun is to be had during sports activities during the summer months, but it is also the time when we’re more likely to suffer from a sport-related dental injury. Whether we’re playing baseball, basketball, or tennis, it’s important to remember that mouthguards save our smiles from harm. Wearing a mouthguard can reduce the risk of chipped or lost teeth. Remember to wear your mouthguard in the same way that you put on your helmet or kneepads.
Prevent Discoloration and Stains
Whether it’s from drinking a seltzer water during your bike ride or having a few too many popsicles, there are several activities and products during the summer months that can stain your teeth. Consuming certain drinks, like cola or coffee, can also lead to discoloration without the proper oral care. Whitening toothpaste can help restore your smile to its original shine by removing surface stains as well as protecting your enamel from acidic environments. Consider switching to a toothpaste with fluoride to help protect against stains from acidic foods and drinks.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Preventative care is the key to keeping your smile in pristine condition all year long. That’s why it’s important to see a dentist, Dr. Jones, at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. During your visit to Bend’s highly-acclaimed Juniper Dental, we will inspect your mouth for signs of decay, gum disease and other dental issues. By catching dental problems early, we can prevent them from becoming serious health issues.
Emergency Smiles in Bend
It’s an unfortunate reality that dental emergencies happen even during the summer. Whether it’s a bicycle crash, baseball to the teeth, or a fall while hiking in the foothills, dental emergencies can occur at any moment. If you or a family member experience a dental emergency this summer, it’s important to call JT Family Dentistry immediately at 541-883-3480 to setup an emergency visit. Don’t let your summer fun come to a screeching halt. Make sure to prepare your smile now so you can enjoy summer in Bend to the fullest.
The summer is coming to an end sooner than we know it, so make sure to prep your smile for all the heat and action by using preventative measures and finding the right dentist to help preserve it. Floss daily, brush after every meal and wear mouthguards during sports activities to help keep your smile healthier. And don’t forget to visit Juniper Dental in Bend for regular exams and dental checkups. Taking all of these steps can help ensure that your smile is always looking and feeling its best.