Summer Dental Care Tips from Your Laurel, MD Dentist

Discover essential summer dental care tips from your Laurel, MD dentist and keep your smile radiant. explore expert advice from Dr. Garland Davis now!

Summer in Maryland includes beautiful weather, a wealth of family-friendly activities, and many opportunities for fun in the sun. However, it is still important to take care of yourself during the warmer months of the year.

If you live in Laurel, MD, you may be wondering how to maintain oral health in summer. It can be difficult to stick to a routine due to a variety of factors.



Read on to learn all about summer dental care tips and seasonal dental advice so your teeth maintain their health during your busiest summer activities.

Stay Hydrated

It may seem like there isn't a connection between hydration and oral health, but that couldn't be further from the truth. It is paramount to stay hydrated in the summertime.

When temperatures rise, you tend to sweat more. As a result, your body works harder and needs more hydration to maintain optimal hydration.

If you're dehydrated, your body produces less saliva. Saliva is integral for maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay.

Keep an eye out for key signs of dehydration in yourself and others. Dehydration can lead to conditions like heat exhaustion or, worse, heatstroke. Here are some symptoms of dehydration:

• No tears when crying
• Dry lips and mouth
• Darker urine
• Appetite loss
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• High heart rate
• Flushed skin
• Nausea
• Fatigue



To maintain hydration during the summer, calculate your daily water intake and increase it. Factor in elements such as temperature changes and activity level. For instance, if you are running or hiking regularly, you will need to consume more water.

Keep Up With Regular Dental Checkups

In summer, the last thing you would like to do is schedule an appointment with the dentist. However, if you're due for a checkup or cleaning, do not cancel the appointment.



Going to the dentist at least two times a year can help maintain oral health and prevent conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay. Preventive care will also save you money in the long run.

Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies do not take a break during the summer months. They can strike at any time, and it is important to be prepared.

Some of the most common dental emergencies include:

• Severe tooth pain
• Abscesses
• Chipped tooth
• Sudden tooth loss
• Lost crowns or fillings

All dental emergencies warrant care as soon as possible, but some are more dire than others. For example, conditions such as severe tooth pain and abscesses can signal infection, which can be deadly if not treated promptly.

At Garland K. Davis DDS Family Dentistry, we're skilled in handling all types of dental emergencies. If you experience an emergency in Laurel, MD, our experienced team will ensure that you are in confident and capable hands.

When you encounter a dental emergency while traveling, treatment can be tricky. Consult with your dentist to see if you need care right away. If it's something like a chipped tooth or a lost filling, you may be able to wait a few days for treatment.



For situations involving severe pain or infection, it is best to get home or seek treatment wherever you are. Ensure you have access to dental care close to where you're traveling, especially if you are prone to dental problems.

Don't Forget to Floss

You hear it every time you visit your dentist in Laurel, MD: "How often are you flossing?" The answer should be every single day. However, many people slack on flossing more than on other dental hygiene habits.

When flossing, it is vital to use proper flossing technique:

• Floss before brushing 
• Wrap the floss several times around each finger
• Move the floss in between teeth with an up-and-down motion
• Ensure you bring the floss below the gum line



Although floss picks are popular, they aren't as effective as regular dental floss. They are great for traveling or if you are in a pinch, but they have less versatility and only clean part of the surface of your teeth.

Avoid Chewing on Ice

When you order that iced coffee or fruity cocktail during the summer, it is all too easy to crunch on the ice after you finish the drink. However, this habit can be detrimental to the health of your teeth.

The occasional ice chip will not have a drastic effect, but consistently chewing on ice can lead to permanent damage, such as cracked teeth. If you have expensive dental work, such as crowns, the ice can dislodge them, leading to costly replacements.

If you cannot stop chewing on ice, you may suffer from pica, a condition that causes cravings for substances such as:



• Ice
• Dirt
• Chalk

It may be worth a visit to the doctor to get tested for conditions such as iron-deficient anemia. Iron deficiency can cause myriad other health issues. Increasing your iron levels should cure your cravings for ice and lead to healthier teeth.

Limit Sugary Snacks and Beverages

Summer is a time when many people relax their diets. It is easy to snack more throughout the day or indulge in a sweet treat after dinner.

Although enjoying sugary food and drink does not hurt in moderation, it is important to know how they can impact your oral health.

Excessive sugar can lead to quicker tooth decay and more cavities.

Luckily, there are some simple swaps you can make so you can still enjoy your summer snacks. For example, opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free beverage option rather than the full-sugar alternative. Try fresh fruit or natural-sugar popsicles to satisfy cravings.

Protect Your Teeth During Summer Activities

Summer in Maryland is an ideal time for playing sports or doing outdoor activities. Longer days and warmer weather mean that you can enjoy the summer season in relative comfort.



You must still protect your teeth when you engage in summer activities. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard as an added barrier in case you get tackled or hit.

Stay on Top of Brushing

It's all too easy to fall into bed after a long day of activities in the summer, without brushing your teeth. Once in a while is all right, but do not make a habit of not brushing your teeth.

Remember, the recommendation for brushing your teeth is only two minutes each time, or four minutes a day if you brush morning and night.

Think about how long you scroll on your phone or read a book before you fall asleep at night. Two minutes is a minuscule amount of time to maintain optimal oral health.

For added help with brushing, consider an electric toothbrush. Many models contain built-in timers, sending a vibrating signal every 30 seconds or so to prompt you to switch quadrants.



Electronic toothbrushes can be an expensive investment, but there are more affordable options. Talk to your dentist at your next cleaning or checkup to see what they recommend.

Remember Oral Care During Travel

Summer is a great time for travel for many reasons: 

• Children are off from school for extended periods
• Employers are more easy-going about time off
• The weather is ideal in many parts of the world
• Many events and entertainment options take place
• There are longer days in most of the Northern Hemisphere
• Holidays such as the Fourth of July and Labor Day take place

Although it can be easy to slack on your oral health in summer, it is imperative to stay on top of tooth care. If you can't remember to pack your essentials before a trip, miniature options for travel are a tailored solution.

For those who plan on traveling for extended periods, try visiting your dentist before you leave. They can diagnose any urgent issues and give recommendations for preventive care while you travel.

Traveling in different time zones can also be tricky for your oral hygiene routine. You may be on long-haul flights or suffer from jet lag. Try to brush your teeth at least twice every 24 hours and floss at least once during that period.

Protect Your Oral Health in the Summer Sun

Did you know that the sun can actually negatively impact your oral health? Harmful UV rays can cause sunburns all over your body, including your lips. A sunburn increases your risk of cancer and ages your skin prematurely. 



An easy, portable solution? SPF-infused lip balm. Apply lip balm regularly. It is easy to add it to your general sunscreen regimen before you engage in outdoor activities.

Remember These Summer Dental Care Tips

When the warm season hits, it doesn't mean you should slack on your dental hygiene. With these summer dental care tips, you can ensure your smile is beautiful and healthy all year round. 

Are you looking for a dentist to partner with in Laurel, MD? Garland K. Davis DDS Family Dentistry is here to help. With over 40 years of expertise, we offer a full range of dental services, including dental implants, invisible aligners, emergency dental care, and cosmetic dentistry.



Experience a high standard of dental care with a qualified and compassionate team. Schedule your appointment today.