Things are heating up, and we know how exciting it can be to get out and travel to experience all that the gorgeous summer season has to offer us. Your Juneau dentist is excited too, and we thought you might want some helpful tips on how to take care of your teeth when the temperatures heat up.

Tip #1 – Remember: Your Teeth Aren’t Tools

Whether you’re hopping on a flight to your exciting vacation destination or if you’re going to be in the area for more of a ‘staycation’ with your family, it’s important to remember to take care of your smile — no matter where you are in the country or the world. We always want to remind our patients that their teeth are strong, but they’re not strong enough to be used as tools. You can easily end up with a tooth that’s chipped or broken because you tried to use it to open a bottle, wrapper, chip bag, etc. 

Sometimes it is too easy not to use your teeth to rip open that annoying plastic bag to get the job done more quickly, but instantly, your smile could be at risk for unwanted and unnecessary damage. Use your beautiful smile to enjoy your favorite summer treats (and don’t forget to brush).

Tip #2 – Watch Out for the Sun

Your Juneau dentist knows how important it is for everyone of all ages to protect themselves from harmful UV rays from the sun. Don’t forget to wear plenty of sunscreen and stay hydrated with water when outside this summer. Here’s another tip that some people forget: Don’t forget about your lips. Remember to always apply a lip balm with a sun protection factor or SPF of at least 15. 

Why? Because your lips are very sensitive and susceptible to getting sunburn, just like the rest of your body. Over time, this can lead to other health issues, including skin or oral cancer. In short, don’t forget to pack your lip balm and protect your lips while you’re enjoying the outdoors. 

Tip #3 – Keep Up With Your Hygiene Routine

Schedules can change in the summer thanks to kids being out of school and vacations being planned across Juneau. Sometimes it’s easy to fall out of our regular routines, including brushing our teeth. Things tend to fall to the wayside, and that’s OK. Summer is all about having fun, and that’s what we want you to do. 

Just don’t forget about taking care of your smile. Your at-home oral hygiene routine is essential to keeping your teeth in good shape in between your visits with us. This helps keep your teeth free from cavities or decay. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing them once is the perfect way to ensure they stay in top shape and protect your overall well-being. 

Be smart and be careful this summer, but most importantly, enjoy every minute. If you’re looking for a dentist in Juneau to help keep your teeth healthy, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. 

About The Author

Dr. Benjamin Pinney

Dr. Benjamin Pinney, a Wisconsin native, provides evidence-based dentistry services to the people of Juneau and Southeast Alaska. Focusing on prevention, he strives to help his patients achieve optimal oral health. After completing his doctorate and residency, Dr. Pinney pursued continuing education at the prestigious Kois Center. He continues to train at the center and other continuing dental education programs.

Read The Full Bio