Summer Smiles
Summer Smiles
Don’t you just love it when the sun shines? Here at Hamilton Road we’ve been enjoying the lovely weather; sunny lunchtimes in Ward Park, windows open, patients turn up happy and smiling and life just seems better! As our thoughts turn to Summer here’s a few dental tips for getting the most from your smile over the summer months.
Drink plenty of water
In the summer months it’s easy to become dehydrated, you will notice that your mouth may be dry and that your breath may smell. This is because of the lack of saliva which lubricates your mouth and helps wash away food debris. Try to drink little and often, and makes sure it’s plain still water; flavoured waters contain sugar and can be acidic, damaging your teeth.
Get a Dental Check-up
The last thing you want is a toothache on your holidays. Make sure you have seen your dentist in the last 6 months for a full mouth assessment. We sometimes hear “I’ve had this toothache for three weeks and I’m off to Tenerife tomorrow… “ That’s fine if there’s a simple solution, but not so good if it’s more complicated. If you have a problem, see your dentist well before you travel.
Use the right toothpaste.
The summer treats of Ice cream and ice cold drinks can cause some patients real pain. If this is you , try using a sensitive toothpaste such as Sensodyne Repair & Protect or Rapid Relief. You should notice the difference in a matter of days and remember if it sorts your problem, keep using it!
Flossing
BBQing is great fun, but all those lovely ribs and steaks can get lodged easily between your teeth. Picking between your teeth with cocktail sticks or tooth picks can damage your gums, especially if they break. Get some floss or Tepe interdental brushes –they’re much kinder to your gums.
Hygiene Visits
Visit your hygienist for a summer clean to remove coffee/tea stains and a full mouth deep clean to keep your gums healthy. Red wine is another culprit for causing tooth stains and whilst drinking it your teeth can look grey. If you’re attending a party or a reception where lots of pictures are to be taken maybe stick to white wine until after the photos!
Brighten that smile
For that perfect summer glow why not get your teeth whitened? Ask your dentist about the types of professional tooth whitening available. It really is a simple but effective treatment to give an instant sparkle to your smile and the ideal accessory to your summer tan.
For an appointment at Hamilton Road , contact us on 028 9127 2525. Don’t forget to email with any questions, dentist@hamiltonroad.co.uk . If you’ve lost your smile, we’ll help you find it again!
