By Dr Deepa, Principal Dentist for leading London dental practice, Whites Dental.
Summer is upon us, and with that comes more cold drinks, iced treats, and dehydration, which can all impact your teeth and overall oral health.
We all know it’s important to take care of our skin and eyes in the warmer months to prevent sun damage and protect against UV rays, but what about our teeth and mouths?
Last year, more than three in four adults experienced dental problems in the previous 12 months [Oral Health Foundation], and in summer this can be exacerbated thanks to climbing temperatures and the food and drink we consume to stay cool.
Pressure to look our best during the peak holiday season can also lead people to turn to risky dental treatments for a quick fix, which can cause more problems in the long run.
Taking care of your teeth and overall dental hygiene in summer doesn’t need to be difficult or time consuming, and with simple habits and thorough research into any treatments, you can feel your best all summer long.
Dealing with sensitivity
According to the Oral Health Foundation, teeth sensitivity is one of the most common oral health problems in the UK, affecting more than one in three adults.
Often characterised by sharp pain in your teeth, sensitivity can occur when eating or drinking something hot, cold, or sweet and can be caused by various factors, from a crack in your tooth enamel, tooth decay, or brushing too hard, to the shock of the temperature change when biting into something cold.
Many of us indulge in more cold, sugary food and drink in the summer and often turn to ice creams and iced drinks to keep us cool. There’s nothing wrong with a treat from time to time, but what steps can you take to keep sensitivity in check?
Simple habits such as switching to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, reducing sugar intake to prevent tooth decay, and drinking plenty of water to stop bacteria settling and exacerbating any existing problems can all go a long way in reducing sensitivity.
If the problem is persistent, it’s also a good idea to book a check-up with your dentist to investigate further.
Don’t forget SPF
Being out in the sun can be a novelty we don’t often get to enjoy in the UK, but it can be risky if we don’t take the time to protect ourselves against potentially harmful UV rays during hot weather.
According to Melanoma UK, melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, and can develop anywhere on the body, including the mouth.
It’s crucial to protect against both UVA and UVB rays to limit the chance of sunburn or other sun damage by using broad-spectrum suncream of at least SPF 30, which should be reapplied every few hours.
While it’s easy to remember to use sun protection on our bodies, many of us forget about our lips, which are directly exposed to sunlight. There are now many lip balms and other lip products on the market containing SPF which can offer the protection needed and reduce the risk of sunburn.
This is a small, simple step that can pay off in a big way when protecting your oral health in the summer.
The risks of DIY whitening
There is often more pressure in the summer to look our best. Holidays, weddings and other social gathering are all more frequent during the summer, and it’s natural to want to look good and feel confident at these events.
Having a bright, white smile can help to increase self-confidence, and teeth whitening can be a good option to reverse any discolouration from lifestyle habits such as smoking or consumption of certain food and drinks.
When carried out by a dental professional, teeth whitening is a safe way to achieve lasting positive effects, but it’s important to be wary of cheaper, DIY options. These solutions can be highly acidic which can lead to enamel damage, gum irritation or other issues, while the results of at-home kits can also be irregular.
DIY whitening may also strip away the protective layer of your teeth, which can lead to sensitivity issues, and if used incorrectly can cause deeper nerve damage. It’s important to be cautious of these at-home solutions and speak to a professional about how they can safely whiten your teeth instead, as the risks simply aren’t worth it.
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial in the warmer months, and dehydration can cause a whole range of health issues, including changes in mental function, migraines, heat stroke, low blood pressure and dizziness.
But did you know that dehydration also impacts your oral health? Dehydration reduces saliva production, which is important in maintaining overall oral health. Without enough moisture, our teeth can become more sensitive and bacteria can thrive, potentially leading to decay and gum disease [Journal of Dental Clinics].
Ensuring you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, particularly when in the sun, is vital for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. We lose more water from our bodies in the summer through excessive sweating, so keeping on top of your water intake is a must.
Taking care of our teeth and mouths might not be the first thing that crosses our minds when we think of summer, but if we ignore our oral health, we will pay the price further down the line.
Tackling sensitivity, keeping on top of sun protection, being aware of the risks of DIY treatments and staying hydrated are all simple steps that will keep you safe, happy and healthy this summer.
