Summer oral health tips from your local Egham dentist.

Summer is well on its way, which means there are lots of things to look forward to. Music festivals, barbeques, frozen treats, the long light evenings - there are so many great aspects of summer. There can be a downside though, when it comes to your oral health at least, because there are so many opportunities for your teeth to become damaged.

Don't worry just yet though, there are plenty of ways to avoid this, and maintain a big healthy smile all summer! Here are the potential oral health risks you might face this summer, and how to avoid them.

Sports - There are a lot of contact sports and ball sports that we play in summer that pose a risk to the teeth. If you plan on playing a contact sport or ball sport regularly, you are at risk of soft tissue, gum and tooth injuries that can result in a dental emergency.

How to avoid it? Please visit your Egham dentist to discuss a custom gumshield that will protect your mouth during sports. If you do play risky sports and you do have a dental emergency, you can contact us during our opening hours for advice and help, or out of hours call 111 or the Surrey Helpline. You can find all the contact information on our website.

Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks go hand in hand with a hot summer's day. Most of us don't feel right if the sun is shining and we are sat outside without a cold beverage. The problem is, a prolonged exposure to sugar can damage your teeth, causing nasty bacteria to attack the teeth, eventually causing cavities and decay.

How to avoid it? If you want a refreshing drink, there are plenty of options that don't contain sugar. Where possible, water is the best option as it is zero calorie, and the most hydrating liquid your body can enjoy. You could always add some fresh fruit slices to make it more tasty. Alternatively, try and avoid full sugar drinks and opt for diet drinks where you can.

Starchy Foods

Many people associate tooth decay with sugar or acid in food and drink, when actually all carbohydrates are feasted on by nasty bacteria. Starchy foods like bread and crackers are terrible for the teeth, because they go 'gooey' and stick to all the different surfaces; plus they don't get rinsed away easily.

How to avoid it? If you want starchy foods, try to have them during a meal only and then follow your meal with sugar free chewing gum and water. Where possible, try to consume starchy carbs with salad leaves and other rough or stringy vegetables that will naturally help 'clean' the teeth.

Let Crown House Dental in Egham Help You Keep Smiling This Summer

Remember, no matter what precautions you take this summer to keep your teeth healthy, your teeth still need to be looked after every single day. Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is so important, and the basis of a great oral health regime. You also need to make sure you pay your Egham dentist a visit every six months so if there are any issues, we can act on them quickly and avoid bigger, more painful or costly issues down the line.

Do you need to register or make an appointment? Please call us on 01784432641 and we will be more than happy to help.