Our Top 10 Smile Hacks for Spring and Summer

It’s National Smile Month! Your Kansas City family dentist wants to help you celebrate with some smart strategies that will protect and enhance your beautiful smile all summer long! From oral care habits for warm weather to easy upgrades to your regular dental routine, these tried-and-true smile hacks will help keep your teeth healthy and your smile looking great this summer!

1. Wear SPF Lip Balm Whenever You Go Out

During the warm spring and summer months (and the rest of the year, too) it’s important to put on sunscreen whenever you’ll be spending time outside. However, many of us forget that our lips can also be damaged by the sun. Whenever you go out, choose a lip balm with an SPF rating of 30+ to prevent damage to your lips!

2. Choose Smile-Friendly Summer Snacks

All sorts of delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables are in season during the summer, and they’re also great for your teeth. Apples and watermelons, for example, are sweet and delicious and can also help keep your teeth clean.

3. Hydrate with Plain Water

Hydration is important, especially during the hot summer months, but too many of us may turn to sugary sports drinks when we’re feeling parched. Instead, keep it simple and stick to plain water. It’s the best thing to get you hydrated again in no time. If you like a little flavor, add a wedge of lemon or a piece of fruit to your water bottle.

4. Pack a Travel-Sized Dental Kit

Planning a family vacation, a trip to the beach, or a weekend getaway? The best way to stick to your regular oral care routine is to pack a small travel kit that includes a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, and some floss picks.

5. Schedule That Summer Cleaning and Checkup Now

Regular checkups with your Kansas City family dentist are an important part of keeping a healthy smile, and there’s no better time to schedule your next cleaning and check-up than during the summer before the back-to-school season sneaks up on you!

6. Ask Dr. Blacker About Professional Teeth Whitening

The spring and summer months are filled with photo ops and fun in the sun. Be ready for all those photos by asking your Kansas City family dentist about professional teeth whitening. Blacker Family Dental has in-office and take-home options that will have you smiling in no time!

7. Protect Your Smile with a Custom Mouthguard

Did you know that mouthguards help to prevent around 200,000 injuries every year? A well-fitted mouthguard can help to prevent cracked or chipped teeth and other oral injuries from summer sports. Ask us how!

8. Avoid Tobacco and Vaping

Warmer weather means we’re spending more time outdoors, which may tempt some of us to smoke or vape. However, using tobacco products and vaping has a range of negative impacts on your overall health and on your teeth and gums.

9. Sip Smart When It Comes to Summer Beverages

We know that very few things feel better on a hot summer day than an iced coffee, a cold soda, or a chilled lemonade. We’re not going to tell you not to indulge, but it’s important to sip smart and use a straw to minimize contact between those sugary and acidic beverages and your teeth.

10. Smile More Often. It’s Good for You!

Believe it or not, smiling actually makes you feel better. Smiling has been shown to reduce stress and boost your mood. Take care of your teeth (with a little help from your Kansas City family dentist) so that you’ll have the confidence to smile all season long!

At Blacker Family Dental, we specialize in family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and anything else that you might need to take care of your summer smile! Give us a call at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment.