Summer in Arizona means sunshine, pool days, road trips, and frozen treats. While it’s a great time to enjoy the season, some common summer habits can take a toll on your oral health without you even realizing it.
The good news? A few simple changes can help you avoid habits that can hurt your teeth and protect your smile all summer long.
1. Spending Hours in the Pool
Swimming is a great way to cool off, but frequent exposure to improperly balanced pool water may affect your teeth. Highly chlorinated pools can alter the pH around your teeth and, over time, contribute to enamel wear or surface staining in people who spend many hours in the water. Fortunately, this is uncommon for casual swimmers.
Protect your smile by:
- Rinsing your mouth with fresh water after swimming
- Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings to remove surface stains
2. Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard
Summer is filled with baseball games, biking, skateboarding, soccer camps, and other outdoor activities. Unfortunately, dental injuries are also more common during sports and recreational activities.
A custom or properly fitted mouthguard can help protect against chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, potentially saving you from an unexpected dental emergency.
Don’t forget: Mouthguards aren’t just for football. They’re recommended for many contact and recreational sports.
3. Chewing Ice to Beat the Heat
When temperatures climb into the triple digits, chewing on ice might seem harmless. However, ice is surprisingly hard and can create tiny fractures in your enamel or even chip fillings, crowns, and healthy teeth.
Instead of chewing the ice after finishing your drink, simply enjoy the cold beverage and toss the remaining cubes.
Your teeth are designed to chew food, not frozen water.
4. Enjoying Too Many Sugary Frozen Treats
Ice cream, popsicles, frozen lemonade, and slushies are summer favorites, but they’re often loaded with sugar. Oral bacteria feed on sugar and produce acids that weaken enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
You don’t have to skip dessert entirely.
Instead:
- Enjoy sweet treats in moderation.
- Rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Wait about 30 minutes before brushing if you’ve had something acidic.
- Choose lower-sugar options when possible.
Small habits like these can make a big difference over the course of the summer.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water in the Arizona Heat
One of the biggest oral health challenges in Arizona is dehydration.
When you’re dehydrated, your body produces less saliva. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and helping prevent tooth decay. A dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities, bad breath, and gum problems.
To keep your mouth healthy:
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Drink water throughout the day, especially if you’re outdoors.
- Limit sugary sports drinks and sodas.
- If your mouth frequently feels dry, mention it during your next dental visit.
Avoid Harmful Habits and Keep Your Smile Healthy All Summer
Summer should be full of fun—not unexpected dental problems. Avoid habits that can hurt your teeth by staying hydrated, protecting your teeth during sports, avoiding ice chewing, and being mindful of sugary treats. Enjoy the season while keeping your smile healthy!
If it’s been a while since your last checkup or cleaning, summer is the perfect time to schedule an appointment before the busy back-to-school season. At 19th Ave Dental, we’re here to help patients of all ages maintain healthy, confident smiles all year long.