Hygiene, Hydration, and Health

With the beginning of summer officially here, our Novato dentist wants to make sure you are ready for a safe and healthy season.  The warmer temperatures mean busier schedules bustling with activities, fun, and sun but it can also mean dehydration and neglected health regimens.  So let’s take a look at how you and your family can enjoy the summer festivities while keeping your health at the forefront of your mind.

Oral Hygiene

Summer lends itself to late nights around the bonfire, abnormal schedules, and sometimes… an overindulgence of treats.  S’mores, ice cream snacks, and sugary sweets can wreak havoc on teeth.  For best results, make sure that you brush your teeth after consuming these types of treats.  Try, instead, to take advantage of the fresh produce that is also part of summer fun.  Corn on the cob, fresh strawberries, ripe tomatoes, and crisp green beans can make for some great food options.

You can also carry a travel toothbrush with you and a few flossers.  It takes just 2 minutes to quickly brush your teeth properly so your oral hygiene isn’t neglected.  Our Novato dentist office is stocked with toothbrushes, so pick one up at your next dental exam or take a quick trip to your local store.

Water. Water. Water.

Our bodies need water for survival.  But did you know that water is necessary for optimal oral health, as well?  Water helps us clear food particles out of our mouth and aids in digestion.  Dehydration allows bacteria to form plaque on teeth and leads to gum disease.  A dehydrated body also means less saliva production which is needed to digest food.  Choose healthy drink choices in order to beat the heat of summer.  Additionally, be careful about alcohol consumption.  Liquor and sugary mixes like soda and juices are high in sugar as is wine.  Alcohol also prevents your kidneys from doing their job – water reabsorption – which leads to dehydration.

Oral Health and Safety

Aside from staying hydrated and brushing and flossing, we also want you to stay safe.  Practice and teach young children about proper water safety.  Running by a pool often leads to slips and falls and broken teeth.  A pickup baseball game can end in a cracked tooth, too.  Our Novato dentist understands that accidents will happen, but a little safety education can go a long way in preventing oral complications.

The goal of the summer is to enjoy the outdoors, explore the world around you, and take a vacation or two if you can.  Keep the summer fun by caring for your teeth so a great time isn’t interrupted by an emergency trip to our Novato dentist office this year.  Stay safe, drink plenty of water, brush and floss, and we’ll see you at your next regular appointment.  In the meantime, visit us on Facebook for more oral health topics.  Happy summer!