Summer on Long Island means sandy toes at the beach, lazy afternoons by the pool, and cheering from the sidelines at little league games. It’s a season made for fun, family, and making memories. But did you know that some of your favorite warm-weather activities can actually put your smile at risk?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to stay indoors for proper smile protection. At Bella Smiles, we want you to enjoy every sunny day to the fullest. A few simple precautions will keep your teeth and gums healthy all season long. Let’s talk about what to watch for at the shore, the pool, and the ballfield.
At the Shore: Watch Out for Ice and Sand
There’s nothing better than a cold drink on a hot beach day. But here’s a habit that can crack a tooth without warning: chewing ice. Those hard ice cubes from your iced tea or lemonade can fracture enamel, damage existing fillings, or even break a tooth. Enjoy the cold drink. Skip the chew.
Another beach surprise? Sand. A bit of grit on your sandwich or in your water bottle can grind against your teeth like sandpaper. Be mindful when eating on the beach, and always rinse your mouth with fresh water after a sandy snack.
And don’t forget your lips. Sunburned lips are not only painful, repeated sun damage increases your risk of lip cancer. Pack a lip balm with at least SPF 30 and reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating.
At the Pool: Chlorine Can Cause “Swimmer’s Calculus”
This one surprises most people. Pool chlorine keeps the water clean, but prolonged exposure can actually harm your teeth. When pool pH isn’t perfectly balanced, chlorine becomes acidic. Over time, that acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to yellowing, sensitivity, and a condition dental professionals call “swimmer’s calculus.”
What does swimmer’s calculus look like? Hard, brownish deposits on the front teeth. Regular exposure over many hours each week can cause noticeable staining and roughness.
The fix is simple: keep your mouth closed while swimming. That’s easier said than done for kids doing cannonballs and underwater flips, but it makes a big difference. Also, rinse your mouth with fresh water immediately after getting out of the pool. And if you’re a serious swimmer logging lots of pool hours, mention it at your next dental check-up so we can monitor your enamel.
At the Ballfield: Mouthguards Aren’t Just for Football
Baseball, softball, soccer, skateboarding, even backyard badminton: sports injuries are a leading cause of dental emergencies. A stray elbow, a falling bat, or a collision at home plate can chip, fracture, or knock out a tooth in seconds.
The good news is that most dental sports injuries are completely preventable with a properly fitted mouthguard. Those boil-and-bite guards from the drugstore are better than nothing, but a custom mouthguard from your dentist offers superior protection and comfort. It stays in place, doesn’t interfere with breathing or speaking, and absorbs impact far more effectively.
If your child plays any organized sport (or even a spirited neighborhood game), a mouthguard is essential. And adults, don’t think you’re off the hook; pickup basketball and weekend softball leagues count, too.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Even with precautions, accidents happen. If a tooth gets knocked out, time is critical. Gently rinse the tooth (don’t scrub or remove attached tissue fragments), try to place it back in its socket, or keep it moist in milk or saline solution. Then call us immediately. Quick action could save the tooth.
For a chipped or fractured tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Then call Bella Smiles. We’ll get you in as soon as possible.
Enjoy Every Sunny Smile
Summer is too short for dental problems to spoil the fun. With a little awareness, your smile can stay bright and healthy all season long.
From our family to yours, have a wonderful, safe, smile-filled summer. And remember, we’re always here when you need us at our Roslyn, Riverhead, and Nesconset offices. See you at the shore!