Almost certainly and particularly after the recent lovely weather, we may be jumping the gun a little here, but it was hopefully a reminder that the days will soon be getting warmer and we will all be spending more time outdoors. Most of us have probably been looking forward to this for some time and we don\u2019t intend to put a dampener on it. It is important though, to bear in mind how hotter conditions can affect your teeth and gums, both at home and away on holidays.<\/p>\n
Let us take a look then at some of the things that could potentially harm the oral health of our Canterbury patients, along with precautions that you can take to limit any risks.<\/p>\n
One of the biggest factors for summer specifically is the increased risk of dehydration. While this can happen at any time of the year, if we fail to stay hydrated as the weather warms up we are likely to find ourselves with dryer mouths. As readers of previous Bradley Dental blogs will be aware, this is likely to significantly increase the number of bacteria in our mouths which can lead to a heightened risk of gum disease. Not only does it provide a warm and dry environment for bacteria to breed, but the lack of saliva means that bacteria and tiny food particles are not \u2018flushed\u2019 away as effectively. The best way to avoid this is, in addition to good quality cleaning of course, is to make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day and before you go to bed at night. You should also limit any sugary drinks you consume for reasons we will look at soon.<\/p>\n
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A few eyebrows might be raised at this suggestion, but barbeques are actually quite a significant risk for our teeth. It isn\u2019t just the excess alcohol and sometimes cigarettes which are often a part of this which can affect this, although they certainly can. The sauces that are used to marinade the meat often produce very sticky coatings that stick to and between our teeth and are very hard to remove. Any high sugar food that is not removed will greatly increase the risk of tooth decay, so if you do enjoy barbequed food, make sure to clean and floss well before you go to bed.<\/p>\n
Alcohol is another factor that can lead to a dry mouth, as can smoking. Most alcohol also contains sugar which is a well known tooth decay risk. There is also an increased risk of accidents if too much is consumed. It is best to drink in moderation and hopefully this will be avoided. If you are unfortunate to succumb to something like a broken tooth though, do call our Canterbury dental clinic to arrange an emergency dental appointment<\/a> to have it checked.<\/p>\n People sometimes associate winter with heavier, high sugar foods and summer with things like salads and fresh fruit. There are still plenty of sugary things in summer such as ice cream for example. One particular concern though is the soft \u2018fizzy\u2019 drinks that are consumed, especially with some people avoiding or reducing their alcohol intake. Many of these not only contain a lot of sugar but are acidic too and can damage your teeth enamel, exposing them to a higher risk of decay and tooth sensitivity. By all means, have the occasional soft drink but do try to prioritise water as your regular thirst quencher.<\/p>\n While tiredness itself won\u2019t directly harm our teeth, it can lead to habits that will. The extra effort to cook a proper meal after a long day may cause us to eat something less healthy and full of sugar. The main thing though is that it might lead us to not clean our teeth as well as we otherwise might do. A quick cursory brushing of the teeth and skipping flossing so that you can get into bed sooner is not a good idea. However tired you are, try to focus just a little longer and brush your teeth well and floss between them too. Your teeth and gums will thank you<\/a> for it.<\/p>\n If you are planning on going abroad on holiday this year, make sure that any dental issues you have are investigated before you go. All it might take is a small filling to ensure that your holiday is not ruined by a painful toothache. Make sure that your holiday insurance covers essential dental treatment too, and, if you do experience any issues, do feel free to call us to see if we can see you as soon as you get back or whether it would be advisable to find a local dentist for more urgent issues. We are happy to help.<\/p>\n Making sure that you act on these considerations could save you a lot of trouble with your teeth and gums as the weather gets warmer. If you would like any further advice or wish to see a dentist at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic, whether for routine dental care or cosmetic dentistry, please call us on 01227 463529<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Maintaining good oral health in warmer weather. Almost certainly and particularly after the recent lovely weather, we may be jumping the gun a little here, but it was hopefully a reminder that the days will soon be getting warmer and …<\/p>\nSugar intake<\/h3>\n
Tiredness from heat<\/h3>\n
Holidays abroad<\/h3>\n