Most of us enjoy summertime because it’s the perfect season to meet up with family and friends and enjoy all the outdoor activities. But did you know that summer sunshine also offers health benefits, even for your smile? Sunny days aren’t just for fun – they can also improve your emotional, oral, and overall health!

Sunshine can be good for you in many ways! For starters, the vitamin D that sunshine helps your body produce can:

• Help your body absorb calcium so you can maintain strong teeth and bones.
• Boost your immune system and help reduce your risk for heart disease.
• Play a key role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

But the good benefits of the great outdoors don’t stop there. In fact, some of the benefits of being outside continue after you’ve gone back inside. For example:

• Sunlight supports a relaxed mood because it causes your body to release serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel calm. This can even help your smile – lowering stress can prevent related issues like tooth-grinding (also known as bruxism)!
• The serotonin released during the day also kickstarts your body’s production of melatonin at night, which can help you get better sleep.

Beat the heat with healthy eats

Summertime wouldn’t be the same without outdoor picnics and meals in the park. Here are some tips for eating healthy all summer long:

• While many summer favorites such as ice cream, lemonade, and sugary BBQ baked beans are popular at backyard barbecues, moderation is key to enjoying them.
• Try to fill your plate with mouth-friendly foods like grilled chicken, which offers lean protein for strong muscles and bones, and sides like sweet corn (for immune health) and roasted peppers (for gum-strengthening vitamin C).
• If you’re outside and just need a refreshing snack, try some fresh berries, nuts, and seeds, or crunchy veggies with hummus dip or guacamole.
• Remember to drink plenty of water with your snacks and meals to wash down food, remove bacteria from your teeth, keep your mouth clean, and stay hydrated!

Practice sun safety

Spending time in nature can boost your physical, mental, and emotional health. But too much of a good thing is, well, too much. Here’s what you need to know:

• Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause short-term issues like chapped lips, sunburn, dehydration, and temporary but painful eye irritation (known as photokeratitis).
• Getting too much sun over a longer period of time can cause early wrinkling and skin blemishes, damage to your vision, and an increased risk for lip and skin cancers.
• Protect your skin, lips, and eyes when you’re outside! Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ and lip balm with at least SPF 30 and reapply frequently to avoid sunburn.
• Seek shade, especially during the hottest part of the day and remember to wear a broad-brimmed hat along with sunglasses.

Add these simple tips to your summer plans so you can make the most of the season while safeguarding your health and well-being. Staying hydrated, enjoying seasonal fruits and vegetables, and making informed choices about sun protection will contribute to a safe, refreshing, and delightful summer experience!