Hot Weather Dental Care – Important Information For Our Witham Patients

With the heat showing no signs of letting up, it’s increasingly important to avoid oral health issues that might be caused by it

There is no getting away from the fact that this has been, and looks like continuing to be, a very hot summer. While many of us might appreciate this after such a dreary and wet winter, it is not without its problems. One of these is the effect that it can have on our teeth and gums and we will look at this in today’s blog.

There are a number of  ways in which hot weather can affect our oral health. Some are fairly obvious, while others are easier to overlook. Dehydration, changes in what we eat and drink, and spending more time outdoors can all have an impact.

Fortunately, there is no need to make your summer dental care complicated. A few sensible precautions can help keep your mouth comfortable and your teeth healthy during the heat.

Keep drinking water

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is also one of the simplest. When we become dehydrated, we produce less saliva. This is an issue as saliva helps to wash away food particles, neutralises acids in the mouth and consequently, helps to protect the oral cavity.

A dry mouth then, can make it easier for plaque and bacteria to accumulate more easily and potentially cause problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Water is the best choice for keeping hydrated. You should try to stick to this as much as possible and avoid fizzy and sugary drinks as, while they may feel refreshing, they are likely to add more problems to your teeth and gums. The increased sugar can help bacteria to thrive more easily and the acids in the drinks may damage the tooth enamel. Water is your best friend on days like these.

Be cautious with iced drinks

Adding ice to a drink is fine. The problem occurs if you are one of those people who enjoy chewing and ‘crunching’ them. This is not a habit that your teeth will be grateful for! Ice is hard, and biting down on it can put considerable pressure on the teeth. In some cases, this can result in a chipped or cracked tooth. It really isn’t worth it, however satisfying the ‘crunch’ factor might feel.

Summer ‘cooling’ treats can add up…. and not in a good way

Ice cream, ice lollies and other cold treats are a part of the British summer and especially in the heatwaves we have been having. There is no need for patients of Blake Dental in Witham to deny themselves these occasionally, simply because you are trying to look after your teeth. The problem tends to arise when sugary foods and drinks are consumed frequently throughout the day.

Every time we eat sugar, the bacteria in our mouths can produce acids which attack the teeth enamel. Having one sweet treat after a meal is very different from repeatedly snacking on sugary foods throughout the day. Enjoy the ice cream if you want one. Just try not to turn the entire afternoon into a series of sugary snacks.

Don’t forget your normal routine

Holidays and warm weather can change our usual routine. The heat can sap our energy and make us want to get into bed and not have the energy to brush our teeth first. If you do this though, your teeth will be under attack from bacteria all night. It might take an effort to make yourself do it, but brushing (and flossing) before bedtime is essential if you want to maintain a healthy mouth.

Avoid excessive alcohol

We have all seen the adverts promoting ice cold lagers and probably been tempted as they look so refreshing. A drink or two is OK, but do bear in mind that if you are already a little dehydrated, the alcohol may take effect faster and, before you know it, you might find that you aren’t as steady on your feet as you expected to be. This can lead to accidents such as falls or collisions. Unfortunately, it isn’t unusual for your teeth to bear the brunt of this.

Minor chips, cracks or broken (or knocked out) teeth are all possible consequences of this so do think twice before consuming a lot of alcohol, especially on hot days.

What if you damage a tooth?

If you are unfortunate enough to chip or break a tooth, try not to panic. Keep any broken piece if you can and contact our Witham dental practice for advice. This applies even more if a tooth has been knocked out as prompt treatment can sometimes improve the chances of saving it.

Essentially then, be sensible. Drink plenty of water and avoid too many sugary drinks. Maintain a good quality teeth cleaning regime and you will give yourself a good chance of entering the cooler period, when it finally arrives, with a healthy set of teeth and gums. If you would like any further advice or simply need an appointment, do give us a call. You can contact Blake Dental by calling us today on 01376 501688.