Warm summer weather brings outdoor activities and family and friends gathering to have fun in the sun or enjoy a pleasant evening outside. Eating an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits that are available now is a great way to eat well, give you energy and keep your teeth healthy, too! For other summer activities, here are some tips to protect your healthy and strong smile.

• To beat the heat, water is your best option for staying hydrated. Sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, juice and sports drinks can cause tooth decay. Eliminating or reducing them by substituting water, sparkling water, diluted juice or unsweetened beverages will benefit your teeth and health. And, don’t chew ice cubes because you risk cracking a tooth or a filling.
• Protect your mouth and teeth while participating in sports and other activities by wearing a mouthguard even in non-contact activities such as skateboarding. A fall when skateboarding, for instance, can cause injury to your mouth and jaw. Mouthguards reduce damage to your teeth and mouth, including cuts to the mouth and on the lips. Your neck and jaw are also protected by mouthguard use.
• The sun brings us warmth, but it also brings harmful rays so use sunscreen and a lip balm with an SPF 30 rating to help guard against your risk for oral cancer. You’ll protect your lips from chapping as well.
• Visit your dentist! Even by following the above advice along with your daily oral hygiene routine, you may still be at risk for cavities or gum disease. Maintaining regular dental visits can help to catch and treat any oral health problems early. Use our Find a Provider search tool to locate a network dentist near you and save money on your dental care.

Also, if you have summer travel plans, remember to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and floss and continue your good oral hygiene habits on vacation.  Apply the above tips and enjoy the summer – now that’s something to smile about!