Keep Your Family’s Smiles Healthy During Frisco’s Summer Fun
Summer in Frisco means endless opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, from cooling off at the Frisco Athletic Center pool to spending weekends at Lake Lewisville. At Renew Family Dentistry, Dr. Christopher Probst and Dr. Jiaying Ren want to ensure your family’s smiles stay healthy throughout the summer. We welcome patients in Frisco, Little Elm, Richwoods, and Deerfield, TX, and are here to help you navigate summer activities while protecting your dental health. Call our Frisco dental practice near you at (460) 633-0550 for any concerns or to schedule your pre-summer checkup.
While pool and lake activities create wonderful memories, they can present unique challenges for maintaining optimal oral health. Pool chemicals, natural lake bacteria, and increased physical activity can impact your teeth and gums. This guide provides essential tips to keep your family’s smiles healthy during all your favorite summer activities.
Protecting Teeth from Pool Chemicals
Pool chemicals like chlorine can temporarily soften tooth enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to damage. Never brush immediately after swimming, as this can damage softened enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with fresh water right after swimming and wait 30 to 60 minutes before brushing.
Consider using a fluoride mouth rinse after swimming for added protection. For frequent swimmers, Dr. Probst and Dr. Ren may recommend professional fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel during active summer months.
Lake Lewisville and Outdoor Water Safety
Natural lake water contains bacteria that shouldn’t be intentionally swallowed. Unlike treated pool water, avoid getting lake water in your mouth during swimming or water sports. This is especially important for individuals with compromised immune systems or oral health issues.
If you have dental work like dental crowns or dental fillings, be cautious during high-impact water activities. For patients with braces or clear aligners, remove retainers and store them safely on shore. Consider using orthodontic wax for additional protection during water sports.
Summer Sports and Activities Protection
Water sports like jet skiing and wakeboarding at Lake Lewisville require mouth guard protection. Custom-fitted mouthguards from Renew Family Dentistry provide superior protection compared to store-bought options and stay in place during vigorous activities.
Pool games and diving are common sources of dental injuries. Establish safety rules and supervise children during pool activities. Common injuries include chipped teeth from pool edges and knocked-out teeth from collisions during games, many of which are preventable with proper safety awareness.
Hydration and Summer Dental Health
Summer in Frisco often brings high temperatures, frequently in the 90s and occasionally reaching the 100s, which may lead to dehydration. Dehydration reduces saliva production, which is essential for neutralizing acids and fighting bacteria. Make water your primary beverage during pool and lake activities. Avoid prolonged sipping of sugary sports drinks or sodas, which feed harmful bacteria.
Choose tooth-friendly poolside snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and nuts. Avoid sticky, sugary treats that cling to teeth. Try to limit snacking to designated times rather than grazing throughout the day.
Emergency Preparedness
Pack a dental emergency kit for pool and lake outings, including clean gauze, a container with a lid, an over-the-counter pain reliever, and our contact information. If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown, rinse gently, and try to reinsert it. If that’s not possible, store it in milk and contact us immediately at (460) 633-0550.
Seek immediate care for knocked-out teeth, broken teeth with sharp edges, severe toothaches, and mouth injuries. Less urgent issues like minor chips can be managed temporarily, but should still be addressed within a few days.
Post-Activity Dental Care
After swimming and water activities, rinse your mouth with fresh water to remove chlorine or debris. Wait the appropriate time before brushing, then brush gently with fluoride toothpaste. Floss thoroughly to remove particles that may have accumulated during active days.
Consider using a fluoride mouth rinse several times per week during summer months for additional enamel protection, especially if you swim frequently.
Schedule Your Summer Dental Care Today
Don’t let dental concerns prevent you from enjoying Frisco’s beautiful summer activities. Schedule your family’s pre-summer checkups with Dr. Christopher Probst and Dr. Jiaying Ren at Renew Family Dentistry to ensure your teeth are in optimal condition for summer fun.
We provide comprehensive dental services, including custom mouthguards, fluoride treatments, and emergency care for patients in Frisco, Little Elm, Richwoods, and Deerfield, TX. Contact our Frisco dental practice near you at (460) 633-0550 to schedule your appointment or for any dental emergencies that arise during your summer adventures.
With proper preparation and preventive care from your trusted Frisco dentist, you can dive into summer activities with confidence, knowing your family’s smiles are protected and healthy.