For many of us, summer is a great time—our schedules lighten or change, and our outlook often shifts to one of fun or relaxation. Some of us even take vacations or make time to reflect.
We want you to enjoy your time, but don’t forget about your oral health! Summer is a great time to schedule a checkup and teeth cleaning or book that cosmetic dentistry consultation you’ve been considering.
Below, your Irvine dentist shares an ultimate checklist to ensure you enjoy summer and keep your smile bright.
We Cover:
- Maintaining Your Oral Health Habits (Even When Your Schedule Changes)
- Being Proactive in Your Preventive Dental Care
- Advanced Dental Care: Consider Your Sleep and Jaw Joint Health
- Shine Bright: Cosmetic Dentistry in Irvine, CA, for Your Summer Smile
Maintaining Your Oral Health Habits (Even When Your Schedule Changes)
Enjoy your summer, but keep your smile in check with a few healthy habits to see you through. Of course, we understand that schedules vary, especially this time of year, which is why we recommend the following:
- Brushing and Flossing on the Go: With so much to do, you may find yourself speeding through your brushing and flossing sessions. Please take your time! You should spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth, covering all sides. When flossing, always use a fresh section of string as you go.
- Hydrating Is Key: It may be tempting to indulge in iced coffee and sweet drinks this summer. We recommend trading these in for plain water. Coffee can stain teeth, and sugary beverages put you on the fast track to tooth decay. Water hydrates the mouth and the body.
- Choosing Tooth-Friendly Summer Treats: It’s okay to indulge in the occasional sweet treat, but whenever possible, choose low-fat yogurt, nuts, fruits, and vegetables to satisfy cravings.
- Packing Your Travel Dental Kit: During the summer months, you may travel or spend less time at home, making a dental travel kit even more essential. Pack your kit with travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and an alcohol-free rinse.
Being Proactive in Your Preventive Dental Care
- Now Is the Perfect Time for a Checkup: Enjoy your summer, but don’t skip checkups and teeth cleanings. Summer is a fantastic time for prevention, as it prepares your smile for fall and the upcoming holidays.
- Sports and Summer Adventures: Mouthguards are an essential part of summer, especially if you compete in sports. Additionally, custom mouthguards offer more protection than those purchased in stores because they are tailored to fit each individual. Talk to your Irvine dentist.
Advanced Dental Care: Consider Your Sleep and Jaw Joint Health
Do you have a jaw joint that pops or tries to lock when you’re chewing or yawning? Do you wake up with jaw and shoulder pain, headaches, and sore teeth? These may be signs of TMJ dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints that connect your jaw to your skull.
Our advanced dentistry also includes treatment for sleep apnea. If you’re using a cumbersome CPAP and don’t want to take it on your next summer vacation destination, see whether appliance therapy is suitable for you.
(If you suspect sleep apnea, it’s vital to seek an assessment and treatment. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to significant health complications, including but not limited to high blood pressure and kidney disease.)
Summer is an ideal time to evaluate your dental health, oral function, and sleep safety.
Shine Bright: Cosmetic Dentistry in Irvine, CA, for Your Summer Smile
Do you hide your smile in pictures every summer? Do you avoid laughing out loud? Cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile and significantly enhance your overall outlook. Imagine it… having the best summer ever without aesthetic smile concerns.
We offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry options!
Dental Veneers for a Celebrity-Caliber Smile
Dental veneers were once a Hollywood secret, but they are no longer! Today, you can enjoy a symmetrical smile with veneers, which conceal most tooth flaws, including:
- Short and Worn Teeth
- Minor or Unusual Gaps
- Minor Misalignment
- Gummy Smiles
- Stubborn Tooth Stains
Start Your Transformation This Summer with Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Summer is a great time to start Invisalign because you can remove your aligners to eat your favorite summer meals. Also, your teeth may be aligned just in time for next summer.
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that corrects most common misalignment issues, including crooked teeth, overbite, and uneven tooth spacing.
Your treatment timeline depends on the complexity of your orthodontic issues. You may wear aligners for several months or longer, depending on your dentist’s assessment.
Summer Is an Ideal Time for Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening can significantly enhance your appearance and truly transform your smile, effectively lifting stubborn stains and discoloration. Additionally, it doesn’t take long to brighten your teeth, giving you a whole new reason to smile this season.
For predictable results and safety, we recommend trusting your teeth whitening to the dentist.
Consider Restorative Dentistry for a Summer to Remember
Whether it’s dental implants or same-day dental crowns, we can restore your smile using customized restorations and advanced technology.
Some treatments, such as dental implants, take a bit of time, but cosmetic restorations can be completed in short order.
Contact Your Dentist in Irvine, CA, to Get Started
To celebrate your best summer with a healthy and beautiful smile, schedule an appointment today. Call us at (714) 838-7272.
Ask about our membership plan and financing options.