During the summer, we often throw off our normal routine - staying up too late, sleeping in, throwing caution to the wind with regard to our eating, imbibing a few cool ones with friends, and sometimes neglecting our regular oral hygiene routine. Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale has several tips to help you maintain a healthy smile this summer.
Schedule appointments with your family dentist and dental hygienist in Fort Lauderdale to ensure that you and your family stay on schedule with your dental exams and cleanings. Summer is a busy, fun-filled time, and the dentists at Excellence in Dentistry encourage you to schedule ahead and make your oral healthcare a priority. As our schedule fills with weekend getaways and family vacations, things like medical and dental appointments may be pushed to the back burner; however, summer is actually a great time to schedule that dental treatment you may have been putting off and keep your smile healthy. Schedule your dental treatment before issues become worse and possibly result in a more invasive, more expensive treatment.
Iced beverages are a great way to beat the heat, but chewing on ice can damage your teeth. You may have been chewing ice for years with no adverse effects - other than annoying others. Be aware that gnawing on ice cubes can crack or break your teeth requiring extensive dental repairs or even result in the loss of your tooth.
When it is hot, we may unconsciously reach for sodas or sports drinks that are full of sugar. The bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar creating a biofilm, plaque, that adheres to your teeth causing gum irritation and accelerating tooth decay. Sodas and colorful sports drinks can also cause staining. Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale encourages you to limit sugary drinks and make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to combat tooth decay.
During the hot summer months, it is easy to get dehydrated. When we are dehydrated our mouth does not produce enough saliva. Saliva acts as a natural cleanser to wash away plaque-causing bacteria; a dry mouth allows bacterial growth because there is less saliva to wash away plaque. Prevent tooth decay and promote overall health by staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Don't forget to pack your toothbrush! According to Shafer's Textbook of Oral Pathology, when you skip brushing your teeth, within 48 hours the dentin (the protective layer just below your enamel) can start to decalcify due to the acids produced by dental plaque. Your family dentist emphasizes twice daily brushing to eliminate plaque before these acids penetrate and potentially damage your teeth. So pack your toothbrush! While away, be sure your toothbrush has adequate ventilation to properly dry. Storing you toothbrush in a closed container promotes growth of bacteria. Store your toothbrush in an upright position where it can adequately dry.
Contact Excellence in Dentistry for all of your dental needs this summer. Our team provides complete dental care for your entire family. Whether you just need your regular dental check-up and cleaning or you are in need of dental work, select the best dentist in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Nancy Rotroff and Dr. Gerard Wasselle proudly offer comprehensive, high-quality dentistry for your whole family in our welcoming Commercial Boulevard dental office. Call 954-928-1666 to schedule your appointment today! We are preferred providers for a number of PPO insurance plans and dental care financing is available through CareCredit.
