Summer is a time of freedom, relaxation and outdoor recreation. However, we must not forget to take care of our teeth even in the hot months. The heat, changed eating habits and leisure activities can all affect our oral hygiene. In addition, many people are convinced that they are taking care of their teeth correctly. However, brushing your teeth is like riding a bicycle: you have to learn it thoroughly.
According to statistics, although the market for electric toothbrushes will grow, the European region had the highest incidence of significant oral diseases. Among the WHO’s six regions, Europe has the worst average, where 50.1 percent of the adult population suffers or has suffered from a serious oral cavity disease. This includes the highest incidence of permanent dental caries, which in 2019 represented 33.6 percent of the population of the European region, or nearly 335 million cases.
This ratio is due not only to poor hygiene, but also to foods rich in sugar, of which we tend to eat more in the summer. In addition, many people, although they are convinced of the opposite, are not aware of proper dental care and brushing. study, almost 55 percent indicated that they brush their teeth twice a day. With nearly half of those surveyed only performing the bare minimum when it comes to oral hygiene, it may seem like a difficult expectation to check ourselves with tests or rinses that stain bacterial plaque, allowing the soft or mineralizing coating on the teeth to be mapped.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that tartar is the beginning of the death of teeth and soft tissues,” notes Sylwia Drobik, Oclean Inadequate hygiene, or the lack of it, can also cause diseases that are apparently not related to “bad teeth”, such as diabetes, heart disease, diseases of the circulatory system or lung diseases. In summer, we tend to take dental care and oral hygiene even more lightly, which is also due to the increased sugar intake and the more irregular lifestyle at this time. Here are some tips on how to maintain your teeth in the summer.
Hydrate regularly
In the summer heat, our mouths can easily dry out, which reduces saliva production. Saliva plays an important role in keeping the oral cavity clean and neutralizing acids. Drink plenty of fluids – mostly water – to maintain proper hydration and promote saliva production.
Avoid sugary drinks
Summer refreshments like lemonade, iced tea, and sodas are often loaded with sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay. Choose sugar-free drinks or make refreshments at home with minimal added sugar.
Be careful with the iced treats
Ice cream and ice cream are especially popular in the summer, but cold foods and drinks can make your teeth sensitive, especially if you already have dental problems. Try to eat and drink slowly to avoid sudden temperature changes that can irritate tooth enamel.
Keep the toothbrush and toothpaste handy
When traveling, it is more difficult to stick to brushing your teeth twice a day. It’s a good idea to always take a travel toothbrush and a small amount of toothpaste with you so that you can freshen your breath and keep your teeth clean after every meal.
Eat light and healthy meals
In the summer, you can easily be tempted by fast food and sweets, but try to choose healthier alternatives. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not only good for our body, but also good for our teeth. Crunchy vegetables like carrots and apples naturally clean teeth and help maintain healthy gums.
We protect our teeth during sports
Summer is also the time for outdoor sports and camps. If you play or just try sports where there is a risk of injury – such as cycling, skateboarding, surfing or combat sports – use a mouthguard to protect your teeth from damage.
Don’t forget regular dental check-ups
Although summer is a time of relaxation, do not neglect regular dental checkups. If you haven’t been to the dentist this year, it’s worth making an appointment for a check-up. The dentist can help prevent the development of more serious problems and give advice on proper oral care.
Use an electric toothbrush
Among the electric toothbrushes – especially if we tend to brush our teeth too fast – we should choose one that uses AI-based technology, maps our oral cavity and gives voice instructions. Oclean’s toothbrushes recommend a personalized washing program to their owner and guide us through the process of cleaning the oral cavity, making it possible to achieve satisfactory hygiene results.
“Given the state of the oral cavity of Europeans, it is worthwhile to start using proper daily oral hygiene as soon as possible. This can be helped by the advanced technology of the devices or an application in which, for example, we collect points for every correct brushing and oral care routine. It is worth trying a different approach to solve the problem, because the current approach, based solely on education and the threat of consequences, has apparently not brought significant change and many of us are still struggling with tooth decay,” says dentist Dr. Anna-Maria Szyperska.
Source: www.patikamagazin.hu
