Dr. Young, Cindy, and the rest of the team are absolutely wonderful! They have provided me outstanding dental care for over 12 years. I’m always greeted with a smile and called by my first name. I always feel relaxed and comfortable no matter the reason for my visit. I can appreciate Dr. Young and his team because they truly care about my overall wellbeing. Everyone is so personable and makes time to speak to me. They are simply the best!
Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and outdoor adventures, but it also presents unique challenges for your oral health in Greensboro. At Brassfield Dental, Dr. Young wants to help you enjoy everything the season offers while keeping your smile healthy and bright. This complete guide covers all the essential summer dental care tips you need for a worry-free June through August.
Call our office today at 888-363-8692 if you need to schedule a routine checkup.
Whether you’re planning beach trips, playing summer sports, or simply enjoying backyard barbecues, following these recommendations will protect your teeth and gums throughout the season.
Stay Hydrated for Your Smile
Summer heat means you’re sweating more and losing fluids faster. Dehydration doesn’t just make you feel tired and sluggish — it also reduces saliva production in your mouth. Saliva is your body’s natural defense against cavities because it washes away food particles and neutralizes harmful acids.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities. Water is the best choice for your teeth because it doesn’t contain sugar or acids that damage enamel. If you’re drinking sports drinks to replace electrolytes during intense activities, rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to minimize acid exposure.
Dry mouth from dehydration can lead to bad breath, increased cavity risk, and gum irritation. Keep a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go and sip regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
Protect Your Teeth During Sports
Summer is prime time for baseball, basketball, swimming, biking, skateboarding, and countless other activities. Unfortunately, it’s also peak season for dental injuries. Dr. Young sees numerous chipped, cracked, and knocked-out teeth during the summer months that could have been prevented with proper protection.
If you or your children participate in any contact sports or activities with fall risks, wear a mouthguard. Custom-fitted mouthguards from Brassfield Dental offer the best protection and comfort, but even a store-bought mouthguard is better than nothing.
Keep a dental emergency kit in your sports bag with gauze, a small container with a lid (for a knocked-out tooth), pain relievers, and Dr. Young’s contact information. Knowing how to respond quickly to dental injuries can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Understand Pool Chemicals & Your Teeth
Swimming is a summer staple, but improperly maintained pool water can damage your tooth enamel. When pool pH levels are too low (too acidic), the water can wear away enamel over time. This is especially concerning for competitive swimmers who spend hours in the pool daily.
If you maintain a pool, test the pH regularly and keep it between 7.2 and 7.8. If you swim frequently in public pools and notice tooth sensitivity or a yellowish appearance, mention it to Dr. Young during your next visit.
Avoid keeping your mouth open underwater, and rinse with plain water after swimming. Never brush your teeth immediately after pool exposure — wait at least 30 minutes to let your saliva remineralize any softened enamel.
Prepare Your Smile for Travel
Before heading out on vacation, schedule a checkup with Dr. Young to catch any potential problems. A small cavity or loose filling can quickly become a painful emergency when you’re far from home. Dr. Young can identify issues early and treat them before they ruin your trip.
Pack travel-sized dental supplies, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and any specialized products you use. If you wear a night guard or retainer, don’t forget it. Maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine while traveling prevents problems from developing.
Keep Brassfield Dental’s contact information saved in your phone. If a dental emergency happens during your travels, Dr. Young or his team can provide guidance over the phone.
Watch Your Summer Diet
Summer means cookouts, ice cream trucks, popsicles, lemonade, and sweet tea. While these treats are part of summer fun, they can wreak havoc on your teeth if you’re not careful. Sugary and acidic foods and drinks feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
Enjoy summer treats in moderation rather than grazing all day. When you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward. Choose fresh fruits like watermelon and strawberries that naturally clean your teeth while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are great summer snacks that promote oral health. They stimulate saliva production and physically scrub your teeth as you chew.
Schedule Your Summer Checkup
Don’t let summer’s busy schedule cause you to skip your dental appointment. Maintaining oral health in Greensboro requires regular professional care, even during vacation season. Dr. Young can clean areas you can’t reach at home and catch problems before they become serious.
Summer is actually an ideal time for dental visits because kids are out of school and schedules are often more flexible. Take advantage of this window to get the whole family’s dental care completed.
Call Brassfield Dental today at 888-363-8692 to schedule your summer checkup with Dr. Young. Keep your smile healthy for all your summer adventures!