1. Visit your dentist before
In order to avoid discomfort or unpleasant surprises during the holidays, I would recommend a visit to our specialist for a check-up. That way we can find out if your oral higiene is adequate and whether certain precautions need to be adapted.
2. Take a teeth cleaning kit
It seems obvious but in the summer, as we spend more time away from home, we seem to neglect our daily cleanings. That´s why, if we are going to spend the day at the beach or sightseeing, it´s important that we take a toiletry kit, that includes, at least, toothpaste, toothbrush and dental floss. Therefore we can avoid bad higiene and the problems this could cause like fillings and gingivitis.
3. Having a balanced diet
On holiday, we should not only cut back on high sugar content foods, like icecreams and carbonated drinks (which are better to drink with a straw to avoid damaging the enamel). It is impoirtant to remember that our food plays an important role in maintaining our teeth healthy, so it is important that we keep eating lots of fruit and vegetables in this season. In fact, certain fruits like apples and grapes favor healthy teeth. Also, sugar free chewing gum helps to separate the saliva and remove food remains, therefore neutralizing our pH levels. It goes without saying, this is not a substitute for cleaning our teeth.
4. Drink lots of water
Drinking lots of water helps to balance our mouths pH level and reduce the build up of food remains , which prevents the build up of bacteria and acids.
5. Reduce our consumption of alcohol and tabacco
Moderate our consumption of alcohol and tabacco which causes tooth staining and favours bad breath. These bad habits make our teeth more vulnerable to oral diseases.
6. Be careful of chlorine in swimming pools
Waters which have been treated with chemical products, like chlorine, can damage our teeth, and can cause staining on our teeth. This is because chlorine has a higher pH level than saliva,and the salivary proteins decompose quicker therefore leading to the formation of brown tartar, especially on the front teeth. If we are ocasional swimmers than using a toothpaste which contains fluoride on a regular basis will prevent this but if we spend hours on end in the pool then it may be wise to wear a mouthguard.
7. Take every precaution with certain sports
Diving and snorkelling are some of the summer activites we all love to do, but they can cause problems if our oral health is not adequate. The pressure that the water has on our jaws and teeth, and the fact that the diver has to bite on the tube, can result in intense pain if one suffers from gum disease, or has fillings to do or in a bad state. That´s why it is important early detection and prevention. If we do contact sports, like basketball , it may be advisable to wear a mouthguard to protect our teeth and gums from falls.
