Summer is renowned across the country as the season for fun, adventure, and relaxation, but many favorite seasonal activities can be hazardous to your or your child’s dental health. Luckily, there are measures you can take to mitigate these risks so you can keep your child’s smile safe while you enjoy these activities. Here’s a brief list of fun things to do this summer along with a few tips for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape while you enjoy the season.
How to Smile Safely While Playing Summer Sports
While football, basketball, baseball, and soccer are all great ways for kids and adults to have fun, get exercise, and make friends, they all involve a lot of kinetic energy moving around the field. While this makes for exciting games, a stray ball or a misplaced elbow can lead to dental damage or even dislodged teeth if it lands on the face or mouth. The best way to keep your smile in great shape when playing these games is to wear a customized mouthguard from your dentist. This device will cushion your teeth from blows so they can stay safe during even aggressive plays.
How to Keep Your Dental Health Going Swimmingly
If there’s one thing people especially love to do during the summer, it’s hit the local pool or beach. Swimming is a great way to cool off, relax, have fun, get exercise, and promote water safety, but it’s important to keep your dental health in mind when enjoying the water. The decks around pools can get very slippery, and slipping can lead to broken teeth, so take care to make sure that your child knows not to run around the pool.
If someone swims in chlorinated water for more than six hours every week, it can increase their risk of developing swimmer’s calculus. This dental condition results in unsightly yellow stains that do not respond to conventional oral hygiene measures forming on the teeth. The good news is that this problem can be cleared up with a thorough professional cleaning at the dentist’s office.
Don’t let dental disasters ruin your summer. By taking the proper precautions and keeping up with an excellent oral hygiene routine, you and your child can keep your smiles in great shape for many summers to come.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne S. Paulson earned his dental degree at the Creighton University of Omaha, NE, and keeps his skillset up to date by regularly completing continuing education courses. His office staff is dedicated to providing excellent pediatric oral health services such as preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry to the families of Casper, WY. For more tips on keeping your family’s smile safe over the summer, contact his office online or dial (307) 266-1997.