The weather is heating up and the kids are finally out of school for the season.
Summer is officially here!
While this sunny season is known for vacations and time spent outdoors with friends or family, it’s also the time of year when we see a spike in dental accidents. According to Kaiser Permanente, summer activities and additional time spent outdoors will lead to a 15-27% increase in ER visits.
Don’t leave your dental health at risk — protect your smile from dental trauma this summer.
Common Types of Dental Injuries
There are plenty of ways you can end up harming your teeth. Blunt trauma from playing sports or simply falling in a certain way can seriously injure your smile. The most common types of dental injuries include:
- Cracked Teeth: A cracked tooth can cause various problems that affect your dental health in both the short term and long term. Some of the symptoms of a cracked tooth include a sharp pain when you bite down, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, and the loss of portions of the outer enamel shell. A cracked or fractured tooth can sometimes be tricky to notice because it’s not always visible. Depending on the nature and severity of the crack, you may need to undergo tooth extraction or a root canal to avoid infection of the tooth root.
- Fractured Roots: Trauma to the mouth at a specific angle can cause a fractured tooth root. This type of injury begins at the root and travels toward the chewing surface of the tooth. Patients should be especially aware of this injury because it’s often not discovered until the bone and surrounding gum tissue have become infected.
- Tooth Intrusion: If a tooth isn’t completely knocked out, it can often end up being driven into the jawbone instead. This type of injury will primarily occur in children because their alveolar bones have not yet hardened to the strength of an adult’s.
What Other Dental Concerns Should I Keep in Mind?
Tooth fractures and knocked-out teeth are just one topic to keep in mind this sunny season. Other dental concerns that are particularly relevant during the summer include:
Dry Mouth: Staying hydrated this summer is important for your overall health along with your dental health! Saliva helps to neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away excess plaque or food particles. Protect your smile and remember to drink water, especially if you live in areas with warm weather.
Enamel Erosion From Chlorine: Did you know that an improperly chlorinated pool can harm your smile? Chlorine is such a powerful antibacterial chemical, it can erode the protective layer of enamel on your teeth. Be mindful of how long you spend in the pool this summer and hire a professional to properly calibrate chlorine levels if you’re concerned about enamel erosion.
Swimmer’s Calculus: Patients who frequently spend time in the pool are also at risk for swimmer’s calculus. This calculus, also known as tartar, appears as a yellow or brown stain on the teeth and can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
Contact Precision Dentistry & Implants
From all of us here in Precision Dentistry and Implants, we wish you a fun and safe summer! If you experience a dental injury, we offer a range of services to treat and restore your smile. To find out more, contact our office today and schedule your next appointment with Dr. Huff.