Tips to Defend Your Smile from Summer Damage
PLANTATION, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#DentalHealth–The long, sunny days of Summer bring big fun, but some of the most
popular seasonal activities can also damage a healthy smile. As we slide
into Summer, DentalPlans.com,
a leading online marketplace for dental and health savings plans in the
U.S. is urging Americans to take precautions to keep their teeth and
gums safe this season.
“We’re not just advocates for affordable dental care, we also focus on
empowering people with the information and resources that they need to
lead happier, healthier lives, and that includes Summer safety,” said
Jenn Stoll, Chief Commercial Officer. “And a few simple precautions can
make a world of difference to your dental and overall health.”
Too Much Pool Water Can Yellow Teeth: Regularly spending more
than an hour a day swimming or splashing in a pool can result in dingy
teeth. That yellow or brown discoloration is called swimmer’s calculus
and is caused by the relatively high pH of chemically treated pool
water. Don’t worry, though! A professional cleaning can remove it.
Chlorine Makes Your Smile Sensitive: Over-exposure to chlorine
can cause your teeth to be extremely sensitive and can cause damage to
dental enamel. According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, pool water should register
between 7.2 and 7.8 on the pH scale. Levels of less than 7.0 are most
likely to harm your teeth. You can test pH levels in your home pool with
a testing kit from a pool supply or hardware store. When vacationing, or
using a public pool, look for signs of erosion in the pool’s railings,
ladders and decks which can indicate too much chlorine. You can also
trust your nose; over-chlorinated pools tend to have a strong bleach
smell.
Grab a Mouth Guard for Sports: Roughly a quarter of
dental injuries in children can be attributed to sports accidents,
according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Consider
wearing a mouth guard when playing Summer sports that include impact and
speed.
Don’t Chew Ice: Yes, it’s refreshing and thirst-quenching, but chewing
ice can crack and chip teeth, damage tooth enamel, cause problems
with fillings and crowns, and make your jaw muscles sore. Those who just
cannot quit the ice-chomping habit should get a physical checkup –
studies have linked a compulsion to chew ice to anemia.
Avoid Scuba Diving If You Have Decay or Gum Disease: Barodontalgia,
also known as Tooth Squeeze, is oral pain caused by a change in air
pressure. This syndrome typically does not affect healthy teeth, but can
cause problems for those with gum disease, dental infections, decay,
abscesses and failing or incomplete dental restoration work. Regular
dental checkups and good oral hygiene make underwater adventures far
more pleasant. Those who do experience Tooth Squeeze should see a
dentist.
Drink Up to Avoid Dehydration: Staying hydrated is
critical for overall wellness and dental health. A dry mouth can damage
tooth enamel and cause dental decay. Besides drinking plenty of water,
chewing sugarless gum can also help stimulate saliva flow as can mouth
rinses developed for dry mouth care. If dry mouth persists, have a
dentist or another health professional evaluate the problem.
Don’t Lose Your Teeth to Summer Treats: Sugary and acidic drinks weaken
tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities and even tooth loss. Limit
intake of artificially flavored, sugar-free treats that include citric
acid and phosphoric acid. Also, limit acidic foods such as tomatoes,
citrus fruits, sour candies, and vinegary pickles. When indulging in
these foods or drinks, rinse mouths with plain water and wait about an
hour before brushing. Brushing teeth shortly after exposure to acids can
worsen the damage.
Be Aware of Slippery Surfaces: On a boat, at poolside or
caught in a Summer downpour, wet surfaces can result in slips and falls
that can create dental damage. You can bruise and sprain your teeth, and
the symptoms of this type of damage is a sharp pain in a tooth and
sometimes pink or gray discoloration of the injured tooth. If a tooth or
teeth have been damaged, loosened, knocked out, broken or chipped, it’s
important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Prepare for the Unexpected: Dental insurance can be expensive,
however affordable solutions such as dental savings plans can help you
prepare financially for accidents this Summer. Plan members can save
10-60% on most dental procedures – from cleanings to fixes for damaged
or missing teeth – from a nationwide network of dentists. To learn more
about dental savings plans, visit dentalplans.com.
About DentalPlans.com
DentalPlans.com, founded in 1999, is a leading dental and health savings
online marketplace in the U.S., helping more than a million people to
affordably access quality healthcare services. Our mission is to empower
consumers with the tools, information, and services that they need to
live happier, healthier lives. www.dentalplans.com.
Contacts
Nicole Fry, Communications Manager
[email protected]
