Summer Dental Tips for Lafayette Families: Keep Smiles Bright All Season

For many families, summertime means vacations, outdoor fun, and plenty of sweet treats. Unfortunately, dental health can take a backseat to all the hustle and bustle. Disruptions in routine, using sugary drinks to cool down, and increased activity can lead to unexpected dental issues. At Barras Family Dentistry in Lafayette, we want to help your family enjoy summer while keeping smiles healthy and bright.

Dr. Brock Barras says, “Summer should be about making great memories, not dealing with dental problems. Luckily, with a little extra care and a few summer dental tips, you can reduce your family’s risk of unfortunate dental mishaps and unnecessary office visits.”

Why Summer Oral Care Is Important

With school out and schedules more relaxed, it’s easy to let dental routines slip. However, consistent oral care, such as dental hygiene and keeping checkup appointments, is just as important in summer as it is during the school year. The changes in diet, frequent snacking, and travel can all increase the risk of cavities and other dental problems, such as sports injuries.

Factors that can impact summer dental health:

• Increased consumption of sugary drinks, ice cream, and snacks
• Changes in routine that lead to missed brushing and flossing
• More time spent outdoors, leading to a higher risk of dental injuries

Keeping up with brushing and flossing, as well as making smarter food choices, can help reduce your risk of dental problems and support a healthy smile this summer.

Hydration & Healthy Snack Choices for Strong Teeth

What your family eats and drinks during the summer can have a big impact on oral health. During the summer, many people feel even more tempted to indulge in sweet snacks or quench their thirst with sugary drinks like soda, punch, and juice. This is why smarter hydration and snack choices play a key role in preventing cavities and keeping teeth strong. Here are some summer dental tips for healthier drinks and snacks:

• • Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated helps wash away food particles and reduces the risk of dry mouth, which can lead to cavities.
  • Limit sugary drinks: Sports drinks, sodas, and lemonade are full of sugar and acid that can erode enamel. Water is always the best choice. 

• Choose tooth-friendly snacks:

• • Cheese: Strengthens enamel with calcium and phosphorus.
  • Nuts: Provide essential minerals and promote saliva production.
  • Crunchy veggies: Carrots and celery help clean teeth naturally.
• Brush or rinse after indulging: Brushing or rinsing your mouth with water after eating sugary or acidic foods may help neutralize acids and preserve enamel.

Dental Tips for Summer Activities in Lafayette

Summer fun comes with unique risks to dental health, from swimming pools to contact sports. Awareness and prevention can help keep teeth safe. Keep these dental tips in mind this summer:

• Rinse after swimming pool: Did you know that frequent exposure to chlorinated water, such as in swimming pools, can weaken enamel over time? Rinsing with fresh water after swimming may help minimize the effects.
• Wear a mouthguard: Outdoor activities like biking, soccer, and baseball can lead to accidental tooth injuries. A custom mouthguard provides extra protection.
• Stop chewing ice: It’s a refreshing habit in the heat, but chewing ice can crack or chip teeth. Try drinking cold water instead.

Keeping Up with Brushing & Flossing While Traveling

Vacations, outdoor adventures, and road trips can make it harder to stick to a regular brushing and flossing routine, but consistency is key to preventing cavities.

• Keep extras in your bag: If you keep an extra toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your travel bag all the time, you won’t have to remember to pack them.
• Pack travel-friendly versions: Bring toothbrushes, travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and sugar-free gum. Smaller travel versions can help you pack light.
• Set reminders: Encourage brushing at the same time every morning and night, even on vacation. Put a reminder in your phone if you need to.
• Use disposable toothbrushes if needed: If you forget your regular brush, single-use toothbrushes can be a great backup.

Schedule a Summer Check-Up

Summer is the perfect time to schedule a preventive dental visit before the back-to-school rush. A professional cleaning and exam at Barras Family Dentistry in Lafayette can help you and your child start the school year with a healthy, confident smile.

Call today to schedule an appointment and keep your family’s smiles in top shape all summer long!

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.