Wondering if the change in seasons changes our oral health habits, too? We think so, and now a recent survey by Dentavox is revealing some truths about our summer dental habits. Keep reading to learn more about how our dental habits change during the heat of the summer!
We Eat More Sweets
Believe it or not, for many of us, our dessert consumption goes up in the summer. That’s because for many of us summertime means ice cream, popsicles, and maybe an occasional margarita by the pool. This may taste great, but it’s not great for our oral health, so be sure if you are consuming extra desserts or sugary beverages you are taking care of your teeth!
We Brush More Frequently
The good news about consuming all that extra sugar is that according to the Dentavox survey, oral health care is increased during the summer months. Though it was assumed that due to vacations people were a bit more lax about caring for their teeth, thankfully that doesn’t always appear to be the case.
We Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
The great thing about summer is that our gardens are overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables – and we take full advantage by upping our intake of these beneficial and delicious foods. Fruits and vegetables are great for your overall health but also great for your teeth- but you still need to brush and floss, especially after eating citrus or acidic fruits. Remember to wait at least 30 minutes to brush your after consuming acidic foods, though. This gives your tooth enamel time to re-harden so the bristles of your toothbrush don’t scratch it while it’s still soft.
We Drink More Sugar, Too
Another summer habit is that we drink a lot more sweetened beverages like juice, smoothies, soda, and alcohol, so be sure if you fall into that category you remember to brush your teeth and try to alternate sips with water to keep your teeth clean and sugar-free. Also, when it comes to kids, try to encourage plain water over sugary drinks, and if possible dilute fruit juices with water, too!
