8 Ways to Keep Your Smile Healthy Between Summer Dental Visits

Summer is the perfect season to schedule your routine dental care at WDF Dental, but what about the weeks in between your visits? With outdoor activities, travel, and sweet treats galore, maintaining your oral health during the summer requires a little extra attention. Here are eight dentist-approved tips to keep your smile healthy, bright, and cavity-free between appointments.

1. Stay Hydrated with Water, Not Sugary Drinks

When temperatures rise, it’s tempting to reach for soda, lemonade, or sports drinks—but these can erode enamel and increase your risk of cavities. Water, especially fluoridated tap water, helps rinse away food debris and neutralize acids. If you're on the go, pack a refillable water bottle and sip throughout the day.

2. Don’t Skip Your Brushing and Flossing Routine

Summer travel and late nights can lead to lapses in your oral hygiene. Set reminders to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once daily. Brushing after sticky or sugary treats can be especially helpful. And if you’re unsure if you're brushing correctly, check out our post on 8 Signs You're Brushing Your Teeth Wrong.

3. Use a Travel Dental Kit

Heading to the beach or mountains? Keep a small dental travel kit in your bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss picks, and mouthwash. This way, you can stay consistent even on the road.

4. Choose Smile-Friendly Snacks

Fruits like apples and strawberries, and veggies like carrots and celery, naturally help clean your teeth while providing essential nutrients. Check out our post on the 8 Best Veggies for a Healthy Smile for more snack inspiration.

5. Protect Your Teeth During Summer Sports

From swimming to soccer, summer activities are fun—but they also increase the risk of dental injuries. If you or your child plays sports, ask us about getting a custom-fitted mouthguard. It’s a small investment that can prevent a painful and costly emergency.

6. Be Smart with Whitening

Planning to whiten your teeth for vacation or a special event? Professional teeth whitening from WDF Dental offers long-lasting results with minimal sensitivity. Avoid over-the-counter products that may damage enamel or irritate gums.

7. Chew Sugar-Free Gum When Brushing Isn’t an Option

Chewing sugar-free gum after meals stimulates saliva, which helps wash away food particles and acids. Look for gum with xylitol, which has added cavity-fighting benefits.

8. Schedule Your Next Appointment Before Fall

Back-to-school season gets busy quickly. Beat the rush by booking your fall check-up early. If you haven’t had your summer visit yet, there’s still time! Learn more about what to expect as a new patient or explore our full range of preventative services.