The Australian summer sees us spending a lot of time outdoors- at the beach, having barbecues in the backyard, going on road trips, or staying up late with friends, making it an ideal season to catch up and socialise outdoors.
On the flipside, the summer season comes with a lot of baggage, where you can feel dehydrated due to the hot summer sun, the high consumption of sugary drinks and changes in your daily habits.
Little do we all know how the summer months can quietly affect the health of your teeth and gums in many ways.
Let’s look at some Australian summer habits that affect dental health
1. Increased Consumption of Cold and Sugary Drinks
When summer rolls around, there is nothing quite like the refreshing taste of an ice-cold drink. Whether it is soft drinks, iced tea, energy drinks or just juices, these popular ready-to-drink beverages surround us at barbecues, beach outings, and sporting events. Alongside hydrating yourself, they increase your sugar intake. Additionally, if you’re consuming acidic drinks too often, they can damage your teeth.
Why does it matter?
Sugar and acidic beverages can erode the enamel on your teeth and create an environment conducive for bacteria to multiply. If this happens, you can be prone to cavities/tooth decay.
Smart tips from the best dentist in Maroubra:
- Choose cold water, infused water, or plain sparkling water more often.
- Drink your beverages through a straw to limit contact with your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming sweet or acidic beverages to limit sugar exposure.
2. Heat, Dehydration & Dry Mouth
Weekends during summers are spent more out of the house. Be it an open beach area or even at a neighbour’s backyard. As the temperature goes up, so does the amount of sweating, and if this fluid isn’t replenished, it can cause dry mouth.
Why does it matter?
Your saliva is an important part of the protection of your teeth. It helps to neutralise acids, remove food particles from teeth, and control bacterial growth. If the production of saliva slows down, also known as dry mouth, the possibility of cavities, bad breath, and gum disease is a very real reality.
Smart tips from the best dentist in Maroubra:
• Always carry a refillable water bottle with you and have it with you throughout the day.
• Drink water regularly, especially if you are physically active.
• Reduce your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, as these two drinks can also cause dehydration and dry mouth.
3. Summer Snacks and BBQ Culture
Australian summer comes with a default barbecue plan, beach picnics and parties with an abundance of sugary treats, including lollies, ice cream, crisps and sweet desserts. While these are enjoyable foods, a great deal of these tasty morsels contain lots of sugar and can become lodged on the top of your teeth, increasing the need for preventive family dental care.
Why does it matter?
Sugary foods give the bacteria in your mouth what they need to produce acid. This will erode your enamel and result in needing fillings if not controlled. In severe cases, untreated decay may even require restorative treatments such as crowns.
If the tooth cannot be saved, then a dental implant may be needed.
Smart tips from the best dentist in Maroubra:
• Serve healthier treats like fruit platters or natural yoghurt at social gatherings.
• After indulging in sweets, swish water around your mouth if you can’t immediately brush your teeth.
• Have a sweet treat here and there, not as your habitual snack.
How does Gentle and Caring Dentistry come to the rescue this summer?
While Australian summers are renowned for their sunshine, adventure, and social events, they can also present new challenges to your oral health. By paying attention to the minute details shared above and taking simple steps to ensure the safety of your teeth, you can make a world of difference in ensuring that your teeth remain strong and healthy throughout the summer season. If you are searching for a trusted dental clinic near me that offers comprehensive family dental care, professional teeth cleaning, and advanced treatments, including dental implants, Gentle and Caring Dentistry provides personalised preventive care to help you enjoy your summer without compromising your oral health.
