When the summer sun is high in the sky, it’s time to spend the day at the pool or enjoy a family cookout. A healthy amount of light is good for a tan, but did you know it can also be beneficial for your teeth and gums? While catching solar rays might help your smile, you’ll want to ensure you get a safe quantity and practice certain preventive care to protect your pearly whites. Read on to learn how sunlight benefits your oral health in the long run!
The Correlation Between Oral Health & the Summer Sun
Prevention is essential when preserving healthy gums and teeth. Other than maintaining a solid oral hygiene routine every day at home, studies from the journal of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology recommend spending an ample amount of time outside during summer. This is because sunlight is a crucial source of vitamin D, which naturally boosts your immune system. By improving your ability to fight against infections, you’re more likely to prevent oral health issues from starting, such as gum disease and dental abscesses.
How Do I Stay Safe While Spending Time in the Sun?
Although the summer sun plays an important role in the health of your smile, it doesn’t mean you’ll want to expose yourself for extended periods. Doing so can cause damage to your skin, so you’ll need to take certain measures to avoid any complications. Firstly, try to apply sunscreen daily, even lip balm products to keep your lips safe. Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated since you’ll probably be sweating under the sun. If you do get burned, have aloe vera handy and take cold baths/showers to keep yourself comfortable.
4 Essential Ways to Protect Your Smile This Summer
Other than catching sun rays often throughout the summer, you can effectively maintain a clean and healthy smile by practicing the following methods:
- Visit your dentist regularly every six months so they can monitor your oral health and address any developing issues from becoming more serious issues later on.
- Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and thoroughly floss at least once daily.
- Avoid poor oral habits such as smoking, biting your fingernails, and using your teeth as tools, which can cost you a trip to your emergency dentist.
- Stick to vitamin-rich meals, which can promote healthier teeth and gums.
With summer here, you can be sure to enjoy your fun in the sun while also improving your oral and overall well-being. By keeping good dental hygiene and scheduling checkups often, you’ll be able to show off healthy pearly whites throughout the season!
About the Author
Dr. Torin Marracino earned his dental doctorate from the University of Tennessee and has been providing outstanding care for well over a decade. He’s also a member of several groups like the Arkansas State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He offers a wide selection of advanced services, including dental checkups/cleanings and gum disease therapy. If you’d like to know more about the benefits of sunlight on your smile, visit his website or call 903-838-9700.