Your summer smile questions, answered!

Summer is just around the corner, which for many people means vacations, baseball season, days spent at the beach, and fun in the sun. It’s important to take special precautions to prevent facial injuries and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. That’s why Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar wanted to answer a few of the common questions that we often receive from patients and their parents during the summer months.

How can I help prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?

We recommend the use of mouth guards, even if you're just playing a pickup game in your own driveway or yard.

Are sports drinks bad for my teeth? What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?

We see many patients in their early 20's with cavities as a result of use of high sugar content "energy" drinks. Sugar can quickly turn to acid, which will eat away at your tooth's natural enamel and cause a cavity!

We recommend staying away from high sugar drinks and using water to stay hydrated while playing sports or exercising. If you do consume sugary beverages, please remember to drink with a straw and brush your teeth soon after to prevent cavities.

What on-the-go snacks are best for my teeth?

Eating dairy is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal.