Summer is here, and for many families in Orlando, that means vacations, beach days, pool parties, and plenty of sweet treats. With all the excitement, it’s easy to let dental care slip a little. But your smile still needs attention, even when you’re off your normal routine.
At Lake Baldwin Dental, we love helping families keep their smiles healthy year-round. So whether you’re traveling, staying close to home, or just trying to keep up with the kids while school’s out, here are our top five dental tips to help you and your loved ones enjoy a cavity-free summer.
1. Pack a Travel-Friendly Dental Kit. And Actually Use It!
Between road trips, sleepovers, summer camps, and long days at the theme parks, your family’s normal routine can fly out the window and it’s easy to skip brushing and flossing. That’s why it’s smart to pack a dental care kit and keep it handy wherever summer takes you.
Your kit should include a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss or floss picks. Toss it in your purse, beach bag, or carry-on so you’re always ready. If you can’t brush right away after meals or snacks, even rinsing your mouth with water after eating can help reduce the acids and sugars hanging around.
If you have kids, letting them pick out their own fun travel toothbrush or flossers can keep them more engaged and help make oral hygiene feel like part of the adventure, not a chore.
2. Make Water Your Go-To Drink but Be Careful with Ice!
Staying hydrated is essential during the hot Florida summer, but not all drinks are created equal when it comes to your teeth. Sugary sodas, sports drinks, and fruity juices might be refreshing, but they also feed the bacteria that cause cavities and can wear down your enamel over time. They can also be very acidic and erode your enamel even if you choose sugar-free options.
Your best bet? Plain water. It’s pH neutral, sugar free, and helps rinse away food particles and acids that can stick around long after you’ve finished eating.
Just be careful about chewing on ice. We get it, on a hot summer day, chewing on ice seems like a harmless way to cool off. But it’s also one of the fastest ways to crack or chip a tooth and damage dental work like veneers, crowns, or dental bonding. Frozen blueberries or grapes or chilled cucumber slices can make a great substitute that’s easier on your enamel.
3. Choose Smile-Smart Snacks
Snacking is practically a summer tradition, especially when you’re out all day or have kids home from school. But those between-meal treats can take a toll on your teeth, especially if they’re sticky, sugary, or processed. And since we tend to snack more in summer, the damage can add up.
For a healthier smile this summer, try to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies, cheese sticks, yogurt, nuts (if age-appropriate), or even a sandwich on whole grain bread. These choices are easier on your teeth and can help reduce plaque buildup. If you’re bringing a cooler, be sure to include a few smile-friendly options to have on hand during road trips, pool days, or picnics. (Of course, the occasional sweet treat is still a summer essential, so just rinse with water afterward!)
4. Don’t Forget Your Lips When You Apply Your SPF!
Wearing sunscreen is an essential part of a healthy summer vacation, especially if you’re enjoying the beach, boat, or a trip to Universal. Just be sure to put sun protection on your lips, too!
There are several types of skin cancer that can develop specifically because of sun damage on and around the lips. Actinic cheilitis (also called solar cheilitis) is a precancerous condition that can progress into squamous cell carcinoma.
You can reduce your risk for lip cancer by consistently wearing a high-quality SPF lip balm anytime you’re outside, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, reducing your direct sun exposure, and seeing our team regularly for check-ups and oral cancer screenings.
5. Schedule Your Back-to-School Dental Visits Now
Summer might feel like it just started, but those back-to-school checklists sneak up fast. One of the smartest things you can do is schedule your family’s dental cleanings and exams early, so you don’t get caught in the late-August rush.
Routine checkups help us catch small problems before they become big ones, and professional cleanings will get rid of any plaque or tartar buildup that may have accumulated over the summer.
It’s also the perfect time to talk to us about cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening. If you want a whiter, brighter smile in time for the new school year or your next vacation, there’s still time to make it happen!
Keep Your Summer Smile Going Strong
At Lake Baldwin Dental, we believe dental care should never feel like a chore, especially in the summer. Whether you’re making memories at the beach, spending extra time with family, or finally getting to relax, we’re here to help you do it with a healthy, confident smile.
Our team offers family-friendly care with flexible scheduling, gentle cleanings, and customized cosmetic services to help every member of your family feel great about their teeth.
If it’s time for a cleaning or check-up, or you’re interested in giving your smile advanced care in a spa-like, welcoming dental office in Baldwin Park, give us a call today. Let’s make this summer your healthiest (and happiest) one yet, Orlando!
