Going anywhere nice this summer?
Whether you’ve booked a fortnight in the sunshine or a weekend in the countryside, you’ve probably started to think about what you’ll need to pack.
Are we right?
Whilst it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and neglect your teeth, our St Helens family dentist, here at Kiln Lane Dental, would like to remind you that your dental health is crucial all year round – wherever you may be.
That’s why, we thought we’d share some dental care tips for the whole family.
1. Keep up your dental hygiene routine
Brushing and flossing twice a day is standard procedure at home – helping to keep your teeth strong and healthy. But it’s even more important that you do it, both in the morning and at night, when on holiday.
This is because, when you’re on your hols, you might be tempted to overindulge in sugary drinks and snacks – especially if you’ve booked an all-inclusive package!
Sugar attracts harmful bacteria that can destroy the tooth’s enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay.
So, make sure you remember to pack your toothbrush (and charger if you use an electric one) and a tube of fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth.
2. Drink plenty of water
A cold, refreshing pint can be appealing on a hot summer’s day, much like an ice lolly is for kids. As well as being the best way to stay hydrated, drinking water is also a much safer option for your dental health.
If you’re dehydrated, your mouth won’t produce enough saliva, resulting in you having a dry mouth. Saliva washes away bacteria and food particles in the mouth, preventing plaque build-up and helping to keep your teeth and tongue clean.
By drinking alcohol and sugary drinks, plaque will build up on your teeth, promoting bacterial growth and leading to tooth decay.
3. Eat healthily
While you could live off barbecue food and ice cream for summer, it’s not something we recommend at our St Helens dental practice!
Instead, try to incorporate healthy food into your meals. For example, you could start the day off with a delicious yet nutritional breakfast, such as a bowl of cereal, porridge, fruit or an omelette.
For lunch or tea, opt for a sandwich or a salad to keep your energy levels up. If you’re feeling peckish afterwards, consider a piece of fruit or veg. Apples, carrots and celery are great for cleaning plaque from teeth and freshening breath, and watermelon can help you to stay hydrated.
4. Avoid chewing ice
Although it’s a quick way to cool down and rehydrate, chewing ice cubes can hurt your teeth – not to mention cause serious damage.
Crunching on the ice from your drink could chip or break a tooth, meaning you’ll need to pay our St Helens family dentist a visit when you’re back to have a filling or the tooth removed.
If you want to quench your thirst quickly, drink a glass of cold water instead. Or prop your drink in an ice bucket to keep it cool.
5. Book your appointment at our St Helens family dental clinic
Here at Kiln Lane Dental, we offer a plethora of preventative and restorative treatments for patients of all ages and recommend everyone visits our family dental practice at least twice a year.
By scheduling and attending routine appointments, you can trust that your teeth are clean and healthy – meaning you won’t need to hide your teeth the next time you’re asked to “smile!” for a photo. It also allows our dental experts to detect problems early on and advise the most suitable treatment to improve your oral health.
To make an appointment at our St Helens family dental clinic, call 01744 25776 and we’ll arrange a time that works for you and the rest of your family.
