If you want healthy and shining teeth this summer, paying attention to your dental hygiene is essential. However, this can become harder with changing schedules, travel, and possible life changes–such as your children being off from school.   

Fortunately, there are some simple ways to ensure that you’re taking the best care of your teeth.   

Keep reading for simple tips on keeping your smile glowing and teeth healthy during the summer!   

Drink Plenty of Water  

As the heat index rises, you must drink water frequently throughout the day to avoid overheating and dehydration. However, water also plays a vital role in your dental health. If your mouth is dry, you become far more susceptible to cavities as food, and harmful bacteria linger in your mouth.  

Stick With Your Routine  

If you’re vacationing this summer, it can be easy to forget about your dental hygiene routine when visiting new places or have a full schedule. However, it’s important that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day–no matter where you are.  

Set reminders on your phone if you need help remembering or consider brushing in the shower so you can bundle two habits in one. This method of combining habits is called “chunking.” 

If you know it will be hard to access a toothbrush and toothpaste, try keeping healthy, crunchy snacks in your bag or some xylitol gum. You can also opt to purchase a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, which are small and easy to put away.  

Use a Straw  

Drinking sugary drinks throughout the day can be hard to avoid when you’re vacationing or enjoying time by the pool or ocean. However, these drinks can significantly increase your chance of tooth decay because of the constant exposure to sugar.   

If you can’t limit your sugary drink intake, use a straw instead. This can help limit the sugar from coming into contact with your teeth. 

Keep Your Smile Shining in the Summer  

By paying attention and incorporating these simple tips into your summer habits, you won’t have to worry about cavities or tooth decay during your vacation. Make sure to set alarms to remind yourself to brush your teeth or bring along a travel toothbrush if you’ll be away from home for a long time.   

No one is perfect, but the important thing is that you’re striving to stick with your routines.   

Ready for more healthy teeth tips? Keep reading our blog!