USC Dentist Caring Tips: How to keep your teeth healthy during summer

What you eat and drink matters a lot for your teeth. During summer, there may be changes in our diet. The consumption of certain food and drinks go higher than the usual. While the sun is more lively, cold and sweet food and drinks are rampant. Contact sports are also popular. But here are some precautions from USC dentist you should take note.

Toothache and other dental problems are sometimes inevitable. But keeping your teeth healthy and in shape is crucial. It's also a factor to have a wonderful summertime, whether staying at home or going out of town.

Tips to keep your teeth healthy and in shape

 These tips came from the American Dental Association (ADA).

• Avoid chewing or eating ice. While ice and other cold food may be your best friend during hotter days, they can have a damaging effect on your teeth. You may think that ice is just a water.  But, it can damage the enamel of your teeth and will leave you toothache. So as much as possible, no chewing ice.

• Do away from energy or sports drinks. It’s okay to drink these energy- adding liquids. But make sure that they are low in sugar. It’s because most of sports and energy drinks have high sugar content. And you know how sugar can corrode your teeth. Just to be safe, stick to water.

• Stay away from lemonade. Refreshments like lemonade are much popular during hotter days. So why should you avoid lemonade? This juice drink has much acid in it. The acid from citrus fruit can damage the enamel of your teeth. And too much sugar can lead to tooth decay. Again, nothing is alternative to water.

• Keep junk food out of sight. Junk food like potato chips or any food that “crunch” usually has starch. And this element tends to get trapped in your teeth. But if you can’t resist it, use a dental floss after you eat.

• Wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports. Physical activities like biking and rollerblading are popular this season. While they can be fun and exciting, accidents can happen. Wearing a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports is vital. It avoids breaking or damaging your mouth.

• Make sure to visit your dentist. Be sure that before you go out of town, you visit your dentist. Taking care of any dental problem beforehand can help you have a wonderful vacation. If you are going outside country, note that some places don't have an easy access to the dental clinic especially in remote areas. It may not be as easy as getting a dental implant in Los Angeles. If you are in the healing process after the dental implant surgery, better seek advice from your dentist. 

Above all, know before you go. Aside from packing your essentials, make sure to head to your dental clinic and seek advice from USC dentist.