Memorial Day is in less than a week, so there’s no question that capital-S Summer is back. You’re likely pumped by now to have some much-needed fun in the sun! Even so, try not to forget your smile as you plan your seasonal getaway. Unless you take the proper steps, an urgent oral issue could easily ruin your trip. Luckily, your Temple dentist knows these steps and will share them with you. Here are four great ways to avoid a dental emergency on your summer vacation.
Schedule Dental Appointments Early
With Summer upon us, you may want to start your vacation right away. Why bother holding it off for another few weeks? However, you’re less likely to have oral issues on your trip if you get a dental checkup first.
The fact is that dental checkups are the best form of preventive oral care. Attending them lets your dentist detect and treat your smile’s prior problems. You’ll then avoid severe mouth conditions later, lowering your risk of a dental emergency during your sunny fun.
Practice Proper Pool Safety
Lots of families play in swimming pools for their summer vacations. That said, you should practice proper pool safety if this activity is part of your trip.
You see, pool accidents are a big source of dental emergencies. A swimming child could hit a concrete ledge, breaking their front teeth. Others may run on a slippery pool deck or dive into shallow water – behaviors that quickly cause dental injuries. Therefore, ensure you and your kids follow the relevant safety rules at the pool. These guidelines should keep your family’s teeth safe.
Monitor Summer Oral Hygiene
It’s tempting to give up your normal routines during a summer vacation. Since your trip will involve new places and schedules, skipping certain habits can seem easier. Still, you’ll be safer from dental emergencies if you maintain oral hygiene over the summer.
For example, set oral care reminders for yourself and your kids during the trip. Doing so will help you all remember to brush your teeth after breakfast and before bed. These reminders will also help you to keep toothbrushes and toothpaste handy.
Stick to Healthy Summer Snacks
For lots of folks, summer vacations are times for sweet treats like ice cream, milkshakes, daiquiris, etc. These items are tasty and tend to relieve you of the intense seasonal heat. Regardless, stick to healthy summer snacks to avoid a trip-related dental emergency.
Remember, sugary stuff isn’t good for your teeth; it causes cavities and tooth infections when you have it in excess. That means going overboard on vacation sweets could trigger a dental emergency for your smile. So, swap out such items and keep cheeses, yogurts, and fresh fruits or veggies around instead.
Use the tips above to avoid a dental emergency on your summer vacation. At the same time, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist for further help and guidance.
About the Practice
Dr. Richard Fossum is a certified dentist based in Temple, TX. Since earning his DDS from the University of Texas Dental Branch – Houston, he’s practiced comprehensive dentistry for nearly thirty years. That means you can trust him and his team for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental care. Dr. Fossum currently practices at his self-titled clinic and is reachable on his website and by phone at (254)-778-3900.