Summer Oral Health in Carson

Summer is here! That means vacations, trips to see family and friends, lots of time on the beach, and fun until the sun goes down every night. In the long, warm days of summer, your oral health might be the last thing on your mind, but it will pay you to take a few minutes of your time to think about it and prevent unexpected visits to our Carson office both in the summer and this coming fall.

We created this short blog post to help you do just that. Here is the most important information you should know about how summer impacts your oral health and what you can do about it.

How Does Summer Impact My Oral Health?

Summer itself doesn’t impact your oral health, of course. It’s everything that goes into summer. When your vacation starts and you’re having fun, it’s all too easy to let your oral hygiene routine slide. Even if you stay on top of it, your kids are more likely to slip. 

It’s hard enough for adults, never mind children, to remember to brush and floss properly during long days of swimming and having fun. Remind them often and follow up to be sure they’re taking care of their teeth.

Is Gum Disease More Likely to Develop in the Summer?

Absolutely. Periodontal (gum) disease is more likely to get a foothold in your mouth during the summer than any other time of the year except for the holidays. Summer barbecues, vacations, multiple holidays, and lots of time outside mean more snacking and less time spent tending to your oral health.

Is Tooth Decay More Likely to Develop During the Summer?

Yes, it is, and for the same reasons gum disease is more likely to set up. Sugar consumption is high during the summer, especially amongst children, thanks to readily available popsicles, ice cream, and fresh fruit. That doesn’t even count treats unique to summer such as s’mores, kettle corn, and things such as fruit cobblers and pies.

How Can I Best Protect My Oral Health Over the Summer?

The most important thing you can do is stay on top of your oral hygiene routine. Make sure that you consistently brush twice a day and floss at least once per day. Using mouthwash is also a great idea. Even when you’re on vacation, taking care of your teeth should be a top priority.

Next, keep track of your children and their oral hygiene too. Even if they are good about taking care of their teeth most of the time, they’re more likely to slip during the summer when schedules are inconsistent, and fun seems to be the most important thing. If that happens, you’ll likely be visiting us to take care of some new cavities when the weather changes.

Finally, try to watch your family’s diet over the summer. Snacking goes up dramatically in the summer months and most people don’t brush and floss after every time they have a snack. If you’re going to snack, try to go for healthy things such as nuts, cheese, fresh fruit, and the like. 

Avoid fruit juices, ice cream, and other sweets as much as possible. Sticky foods such as s’mores and caramels such also be consumed in moderation.

What Should I Do if I Develop Dental Problems During the Summer?

The first thing you should do is call our Carson office to talk with a staff member. If it’s an emergency, we will get you in to see the doctor as soon as possible -often on the same day. If we can’t get you in and the emergency is bad enough, we’ll give you directions to the nearest emergency dental clinic or the emergency room.

If your dental problem isn’t an emergency, we’ll make a regular appointment for you to come in and give you instructions on how to care for your problem in the meantime. 

What if I Have a Dental Problem on Vacation?

First of all - don’t panic! Most dental problems aren’t emergencies and can wait until you return to Carson and can come to our office. If it is an emergency, go to a local dentist or emergency dental clinic for immediate help.

If it’s not an emergency, or if you aren’t sure, call the office and we’ll help you sort it out and make an appointment to see you when you get home. You can read our recent post on what to do for dental emergencies that happen on vacation for more information. 

Will It Cost More to Correct Dental Problems During the Summer?

Correcting non-emergency dental problems won’t cost anymore during the summer than it would any other time of the year. How much you’ll pay will depend on the nature of the problem and the details of your insurance policy. Care Dental Center will always give you a detailed cost breakdown before treating any issues so you will know exactly what you have to pay.

Emergency dental issues are different. How much it costs to treat them will depend on whether you come to see us, a local dental emergency clinic, or one at your vacation destination. Just like with non-emergencies, your out-of-pocket cost will also depend on the type of dental emergency you have and how much your insurance company will pay.

We’re proud to offer a variety of financing options and payment arrangements at our Carson office to help you afford the dental care you need today instead of putting it off until tomorrow. Don’t hesitate to ask a staff member if these options would be helpful for you and your family.

Are You Ready for a Better Smile?

Care Dental Center is your go-to office for the latest and best in dental care in the greater Carson area. We have experienced providers and an innovative, up-to-date office. We care for all ages, from childhood through old age, and would love to provide dental care for your entire family. We even offer flexible appointment times to fit into today’s busy schedules.

Call (310) 626-0004 today and make your first appointment with Care Dental Center!