Summer is here, and with Canada Day kicking off the season of barbecues, camping trips, and outdoor adventures, it’s the perfect time to think about protecting your smile. From sticky holiday treats to poolside accidents, summer brings unique challenges for your teeth. Here’s how to keep your oral health on track while enjoying everything the season has to offer.
Watch Out for Summer Sweets
Canada Day celebrations often mean sticky treats like taffy, caramel corn, and candy. These sugary snacks cling to teeth and feed the bacteria that cause cavities. If you’re indulging — and you should enjoy yourself — rinse your mouth with water afterward and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing too soon after acidic or sugary foods can actually damage softened enamel. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery make great alternatives that naturally clean teeth while you snack.
Stay Hydrated With Water
Summer heat means more time outdoors and a higher risk of dehydration. A dry mouth creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to bad breath and increased cavity risk. Keep a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. Water also rinses away food particles and sugar between brushings. If you’re reaching for something other than water, be mindful that sports drinks, lemonade, and iced tea can be surprisingly high in sugar and acidity.
Protect Your Teeth During Sports
Summer is peak season for recreational sports — soccer, baseball, basketball, cycling, and skateboarding all carry risk of dental injuries. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection and comfort. Even for casual recreational activities, a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and jaw injuries that are painful, expensive, and sometimes irreversible.
Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools
Opening bottle caps, tearing open packaging, or cracking nuts with your teeth is a fast track to chips, cracks, and emergency dental visits. It sounds obvious, but summer gatherings are exactly when people reach for the nearest “tool” — which often happens to be their teeth. Keep a bottle opener handy at your barbecue and save yourself the trip to the dentist.
Be Careful With Cold Treats
Ice cream, popsicles, and frozen drinks are summer staples, but biting directly into extremely cold foods can cause sharp pain if you have sensitive teeth or existing dental issues. If you experience sensitivity to cold, it may indicate worn enamel, receding gums, or a developing cavity. Mention it to your dentist at your next visit — there are effective treatments for sensitivity, and catching underlying issues early prevents bigger problems.
Keep Up Your Routine While Travelling
Summer vacations and camping trips can disrupt your usual oral care routine. Pack a travel dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. Even if you’re camping in the backcountry, brushing twice daily and flossing once is manageable and important. If you forget your toothbrush, chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates saliva production and helps clean teeth as a temporary measure.
Schedule Your Summer Checkup
Summer is an excellent time to book a dental appointment — especially for families with school-aged children who have more flexible schedules. A mid-year checkup catches any issues before they become serious and ensures your teeth are in great shape for the rest of the year. Many practices have increased availability during summer months, making it easier to find an appointment that works for you.
Find a Dentist for Your Summer Checkup
Don’t let summer slip by without a dental visit. Browse dental providers in your area on Smile Directory and book a checkup to keep your smile healthy all season long. Happy Canada Day — and happy summer!