Summer vacations are meant for mornings by the pool, afternoons sightseeing, and evenings watching a beautiful sunset – not sitting in your dentist’s treatment chair. After all, while toothaches and other serious dental injuries are never convenient, they are especially stressful to handle when you’re away from home. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent a dental emergency on summer vacation!
Tip #1: Practice Pool Safety
If your itinerary includes a day (or multiple days) by the pool, then there are a few measures you should take to protect your smile, starting with wearing a lip balm with SPF. You should also never run by the pool, exercise caution when walking on wet surfaces (like the diving board), and check the pH level of the water before getting in.
Tip #2: Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Summer sports give you the best of both worlds: you can stay active while working on your tan! Whether you’re playing beach volleyball with a group of friends, catching waves on your favorite surfboard, or skateboarding around town, you need to wear a mouthguard – no exceptions. Otherwise, your fun afternoon can result in a serious dental injury that warrants an immediate call to a local dentist.
Tip #3: Choose Smile-Friendly Snacks
Simply put, many summer activities wouldn’t be the same without a good snack. For example, what’s an evening at the movies without a delicious bag of popcorn? Unfortunately, treats like these typically aren’t the best for your smile since they are crunchy and often loaded with sugar. That’s why it’s important to opt for smile-friendly ones when you can, like plain yogurt.
Tip #4: Don’t Drink Sugary Drinks in Excess
Pina coladas, soda, and lemonade are just a few beverages you may want to sip on this summer. While you can indulge in moderation, it’s crucial that you sip on water throughout the day too! This will help prevent you from getting dehydrated in the summer sun while also rinsing away food particles from your teeth.
Tip #5: Continue Brushing and Flossing Consistently
While you can leave your alarm clock at home, you can’t leave your oral hygiene tools. In other words, no matter what your vacation plans include, you need to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash consistently. If you don’t, then your teeth can develop decay and your gums can become infected, both of which will leave you vulnerable to additional dental damage.
About the Practice
For our talented team at EMA Dental, our goal with each and every patient is to give them a healthy, happy smile. If you sustain a serious dental injury between your six-month dental checkups, then give us a call right away. With three offices in the area, convenient hours, and same-day appointments available, we can restore your pain-free smile in no time. If you want to learn more about preventing dental emergencies or you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call our East Longmeadow, Northampton, or Westfield dental office.