By William Nerestant, DDS
With June here, that means the Florida summer heat is back and school is out! We pay a lot of attention to dentist appointments and checkups as we get ready to go back to school or during the school year to have a bright smile for picture day, so does that mean we can take a break during the summer?
Of course not! You can certainly take a break from school, but your oral hygiene should be a priority year-round, especially during the hot summer months. Warmer temperatures is a leading cause of dehydration, which can lead to a dry mouth. A dry mouth can cause bacteria to build up in your mouth, requiring extra attention to your dental health.
Outside of the weather playing a factor, the summer months also mean traveling and vacations. This
busy schedule takes up a lot of time, and if it has already been months since you or your children have
seen a dentist for a cleaning or checkup, waiting another two months before school starts could be a
costly mistake in the long run.
The start of summer is also a great time to consider replacing your toothbrush or toothbrush head. Check for any fraying or discoloration, as these are signs your brush needs to be replaced. Regardless of these signs, your toothbrush needs replacing about every three months. Replacing it now will be a great reminder that it will be time to replace them once again soon after school starts back up.
Consider a trip to the dentist for a checkup and cleaning before you kickoff summer and begin planning your trips and down time from school or work. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our dental professionals so you can start summer off on the right tooth!
This column is sponsored by Midtown Dental.
CREDIT
column by WILLIAM NERESTANT, DDS
BIO: Dr. William Nerestant received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Detroit/ Mercy School of Dentistry in Michigan. After serving and being recognized for his meritorious service in the U.S. Air Force as an officer in the Dental Corps, he currently serves patients at Midtown Dental in Lakeland. For more information, visit mymidtowndental.com or call (863) 226-0987