With the days finally getting longer and warmer, summer is just around the corner. Saying goodbye to gloomy weather is certainly something to smile about – but as the summer months approach, are you happy with the state of your oral health?

During the summertime, people are often busier, spending more time outdoors or travelling, and consuming a wider variety of food and drinks. When you’re having fun in the sun, your oral hygiene can sadly fall by the wayside.

It’s important to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth in good condition year-round, but to make sure your smile is summer-ready, we’ve compiled a list of 7 things you could do to get your grin in great shape before (and during) your summer holiday!

1) Limit sugary and acidic foods

When the temperatures are rising and we need to keep ourselves cool, it’s difficult to resist the temptation of sweet treats like ice cream and ice lollies, or a refreshing fizzy drink from the fridge. We also tend to snack more when it’s too hot to cook!

However, even ‘healthy’ snacks like dried fruit can be full of sugar, and drinks or desserts that contain citrus fruits are especially acidic. These can gradually rot your teeth and destroy your smile, so try to stick to sugar-free options instead.

2) Drink lots of water

An easy way to avoid fizzy drinks, and to help wash away sugary build-up on your teeth if you aren’t able to brush them right away, is to drink plain water. Staying hydrated in hot weather by drinking lots of water is also essential for your overall health.

The more you sweat, the more water your body loses, so you need to make sure you’re replacing it. There’s nothing more refreshing than ice cold water to quench your thirst, and you won’t have to worry about sugars or acids damaging your teeth.

3) Don’t chew on ice

It’s a common bad habit for many people – enjoying an ice cold drink, then chewing on the leftover ice cubes. While this can help you to keep cool, it’s bad news for your teeth, which can crack or chip more easily than you might think from biting ice.

Not only can the appearance of damaged teeth dent your confidence, but they’ll also be more vulnerable to decay and cavities. Chewing on ice also risks causing damage to treatments like fixed braces and fillings, so it’s time to break the habit.

4) Protect your teeth and lips

If you’ll be getting active this summer, whether it’s playing outdoor sports, rock climbing or biking, or surfing or water skiing, it’s essential to protect your teeth by wearing a custom-fit mouth guard whenever there’s an increased risk of impact injuries.

Additionally, you shouldn’t overlook your lips when considering your oral health – remember to wear an SPF lip balm. Over-exposure to UV rays from the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer on the lips, which is a significant cause of oral cancer.

5) Improve your oral hygiene routine

If you want to feel great about your smile and ensure your teeth are at their healthiest, you could make some upgrades to your current dental hygiene routine. Do you need to invest in a better toothbrush or toothpaste, or start flossing if you haven’t already?

You could try a new dental hygiene tool like a Waterpik water flosser, or on the more affordable side, a tongue cleaner. How to use a tongue scraper is simple enough – just gently scrape it against your tongue to remove any build-up left after brushing it.

6) Visit your dentist and dental hygienist

You should be keeping up with dental check-ups no matter the season, but if you’re overdue a visit, then it’s time to book in with your dentist so they can check your teeth. It’s also a good idea to get your teeth professionally cleaned a couple of times a year.

When you visit a dental hygienist for a scale and polish treatment, they’ll use professional equipment to remove any plaque or tartar you’ve missed. Not only will your mouth feel cleaner than it’s ever been, but they can also give you tips to keep it that way!

7) Consider cosmetic dental treatment

If you’re hoping to show off a smile you can be proud of in your holiday snaps, but home whitening solutions aren’t helping, the fastest way to achieve the photogenic smile you want before your dream getaway is to invest in cosmetic dentistry.

Whether you want your teeth to be whiter, straighter, or more even, cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening, composite bonding, or veneers can give you a confident and aesthetically pleasing smile with brighter and healthier-looking teeth.