We’ve heard it time and time again: Sugary summer treats will ruin your smile and wreak havoc on your teeth. Sure, what you eat and drink during the warm months of summer are important for oral health — but there are some other not-so-predictable summer pitfalls too. Pitfalls you would never see coming — until now.
Proceed with caution in all 3 of these summertime activities:
1. DRINKING FROM GARDEN HOSES
Hose water is NOT tap water. You could be slurping a chemical cocktail. Nearly 40% of commercial hoses contain high levels of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a chemical that contains lead. Not only is it toxic to your body, lead exposure promotes tooth decay.
Safer solution: Drink from a hose that is 100% lead-free and PVC-free. Or, pour a glass of tap water instead.
2. SCUBA DIVING
Scuba diving is thrilling— but it puts an enormous amount of pressure on your jaws. Nicknamed “diver’s mouth syndrome,” this clenching combined with a change in water pressure, can cause jaw and tooth pain. It can also aggravate existing issues, such as TMJ disorders.
Safe Solution: Make sure you’re in good dental health before you plan a deep-sea excursion. During your dive, make a conscious effort to avoid clenching too hard on your mouthpiece. If jaw pain lasts more than a few days, contact THE SCIENCE OF SMILES for TMJ pain assessment.
3. BLOWING UP INFLATABLE POOL TOYS
Blowing up inflatable pools toys can be a time consuming task. But don’t be tempted to pass the task on to a friend. When you share the spout, you also swap spit. And Streptococcus Mutans, tooth decay-causing bacteria, can be passed through saliva. Indirect contact can still contaminate objects, including toys. This is especially true for toddlers and young children.
Safe Solution: Use an air pump. If you must use your mouth, sanitize the spout before exerting air. And if you get light-headed, clean off that spout before the next mouth tries.
Don’t let summer fun spoil your smile. Be safe and enjoy the sunshine!
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.