Summer Time and Your Teeth

Remember carefree Summers? They can exist again, but you owe it to your smile to continue to treat your teeth well!

Swimming Pools
Did you know that the chlorine used in swimming pools to kill bacteria can weaken your teeth by damaging their enamel? It is the “acidity” that can create the environment for enamel damage! If you own your own pool, try to keep the pH(acid/base levels) of the pool water between 7.2 and 7.8 on the pH scale. However, even with the right levels, It’s a good idea to brush your teeth after swimming.
Summertime Drinks
Water is the best, most hydrating drink you can choose for summer, but we find a lot of options offered to us. Iced coffee, iced tea, and sangria (for the adults) can cause teeth staining, and adding sugar also can lead to tooth decay. Lemonade may seem like the perfect drink on a hot day, but the citric acid from the lemons can wear down tooth enamel in addition to the high amount of sugar that is often added. Try to stick to water as much as possible, but when you do treat yourself to a sugary drink just make sure to brush soon afterwards. And remember, all those “energy” drinks, aka “Monster”, “Red Bull” and “Rockstar” are really just combinations of sugar, caffeine, and salt! Another really great tip, if you really do not like the taste of water, there are now several water/liquid enhancers: “Stur,” “MIO” and/or Dasani Drops that have little if any negative ingredients!

Staying Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated during the heat of Summer, and we all know how hot our Oklahoma summers can be! Staying hydrated helps your teeth by helping you to produce saliva which acts as a defense against bacteria, decay and bad breath. Saliva also helps neutralize acids in the mouth during and after eating.

There are many different opinions on how much water we should be drinking every day. The health authorities commonly recommend eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. This is called the 8×8 rule and is very easy to remember,
but also remember the Oklahoma summers easily “DE-hydrates” you, so MORE “H2O” is needed then!
Guarding Your Mouth
Wearing the right gear for the sports you play, can make all the difference in protecting your noggin’ and your “grill”!. So think helmets, face cages, and mouth guards, especially for all contact sports! We sell an assortment of mouth guards for $10!
Keep Brushing
Beaches, baseball, boating, brushing … yes brushing! There are so many ways to spend your summer days, but you have to remember to keep up your oral health routine. Brushing and flossing, wearing your retainer and your Invisalign trays – whatever your smile calls for – keep it up! Just nothing like a beautiful smile on a cool summer day!
Keep Your Dental and Orthodontic Appointments
Summer vacations and day trips can get in the way of your regularly scheduled dental or orthodontic appointments, but be sure to plan around them or to reschedule. Both are important to your oral health, and progress in the case of visiting your orthodontist.
Actually, summer time is the perfect time to make your initial appointment with Dr. Herman! Cal or text us to schedule your FREE consultation! (918) 492-4822. Enjoy your summer of 2020! May it be your BEST YET!