Summer Smiles: Protecting Your Teeth During the Hottest Months

Summer is here—and while we’re all about soaking up the sunshine and enjoying some well-deserved fun, it’s also a season when dental care can easily slip off the radar. Between sweet treats, icy drinks, travel plans, and contact sports, your smile might be working overtime. At Dr. E’s Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we want to help you keep your teeth healthy all summer long—so your smile shines as bright as the Arizona sun!

Stay Hydrated—Your Teeth Will Thank You

Did you know that staying properly hydrated helps protect your oral health? Water not only keeps your whole body cool and refreshed—it also helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids in your mouth. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after meals or sugary treats. Bonus points for swishing water in your mouth after snacks or drinks if you can’t brush right away!

Summer Drinks: Sweet Doesn’t Have to Mean Harmful

Lemonade, soda, sports drinks, and even iced coffee can be loaded with sugar and acid—two big culprits in tooth decay and enamel erosion. While it’s totally okay to enjoy a treat, try using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and rinse with water afterward. Better yet, opt for infused water or herbal iced teas to stay cool and smile-friendly.

Travel Smart, Smile Smarter

Whether you’re heading to the beach or exploring a new city, don’t forget your dental routine. Travel-size toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash are easy to pack and make it simple to stay consistent. If you’re using a hydroxyapatite toothpaste and a non-alcoholic mouthwash like Therabreath (which we love for preserving your mouth’s natural microbiome), be sure to bring them along!

Safe Snacks = Happy Teeth

Craving a cool snack? Fresh fruit like apples, strawberries, or grapes are great choices for your teeth. Avoid sticky candies or chewy dried fruits that can cling to enamel. And if you’re snacking more often during summer activities, brushing twice a day and flossing daily becomes even more important.

Don’t Skip the Mouthguard

From baseball to biking, summer sports bring an increased risk of dental injuries. A custom-fit mouthguard is one of the best ways to protect your teeth from accidents. Ask us how to get fitted for one—it’s an investment in both your smile and your peace of mind.

Book Your Back-to-School Cleanings Early

We fill up fast as summer winds down, so now is the perfect time to schedule cleanings and checkups before the new school year kicks in. Whether it’s for you or your kiddos, let’s make sure those summer smiles are ready for all the photos and first days ahead.

Remember: Your smile is your best accessory, and summer is the perfect time to show it off!
Call us at 480-494-2435 to schedule your next appointment or to ask us about smile-safe summer tips.