Summer’s here—bringing with it long days, tasty treats, and plenty of outdoor fun. But whether you’re packing in beach volleyball, backyard barbecues, or enjoying frozen lemonade, the season carries some dental risks. Contact sports can lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth, while sugary snacks and acidic beverages can wear down enamel and fuel cavities. That’s why a summer dental checkup is the perfect first step to safeguarding your smile this season.
1. Gear Up with a Mouthguard
If you’re playing soccer, skateboarding, or cycling, a mouthguard is non-negotiable. Studies show it acts like a “crash helmet” for your mouth—absorbing impact and helping prevent serious dental injuries. A custom-fit mouthguard, made by your dentist, offers the best fit, comfort, and ongoing protection. It even helps stabilize your jaw, reducing concussion risk.
2. Keep Hydrated—And Skip Sugary Drinks
Summer heat often means dehydration, leading to dry mouth—and that invites bacteria to thrive. Staying well-hydrated with water (ideally with fluoride) rinses food particles and acid from your teeth. Choose water over sodas, sports drinks, and sweet lemonade to protect enamel and reduce cavity risk.
3. Avoid Chewing Ice and Hard Objects
Ice may feel refreshing, but it’s hard enough to chip or crack tooth enamel—and worse, damage fillings. Compare it to biting metal—the risk isn’t worth the chill.
4. Stick to Healthy Snacking
We all love summer treats, but frequent sugar or acid exposure is a leading cause of enamel demineralization. Opt for crunchy fruits and veggies like apples and carrots; they naturally help clean your teeth and boost saliva flow. If you indulge in sweets or sodas, always follow up with brushing, flossing, or rinsing with water.
5. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Even if your schedule is busier than usual, don’t skip brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing every night. On vacation? Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss—because nothing ruins a getaway faster than a painful cavity or gum irritation.
6. Get a Summer Dental Checkup
A summer dental checkup is more than a formality—it’s smart prevention. These appointments allow your dentist to clear plaque and tartar, catch cavities early, and put protective measures like fluoride treatments or sealants in place. Plus, summer’s lighter pace means plenty of flexibility to schedule follow-up work or cosmetic treatments—and avoid disrupting school or work schedules and vacation plans.
Summer is for fun—not frantic dental emergencies or enamel erosion. A preventive summer dental checkup, paired with a custom mouthguard, hydration, healthy habits, and smart snacking, sets you up for a season of confident, carefree smiles. Embrace the sunshine—and keep smiling brightly!
McKinney-Graham Dental Arts – Hickory’s Finest Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dental Practice
Hickory appreciates what is “well-crafted,” and we believe that’s exactly how our teeth should be. Two premier Hickory dentists join together as McKinney-Graham Dental Arts—in our state-of-the-art facility—to provide YOU with quality cosmetic treatments and comprehensive dental care for our Hickory community.
Why Choose McKinney-Graham Dental Arts?
Advanced Dental Care & Technology
Comprehensive Dental Services in One Location
Friendly & Caring Dentist and Dental Office Staff
McKinney-Graham Dental Arts offers everything you need to maintain and restore your healthy, beautiful smile – all in one location.
We are pleased to offer comprehensive general and family dentistry in Hickory, North Carolina in Catawba County, so you can feel confident that we can always provide the care your smile needs.
Family Dentist Office
We are dedicated to being a dental office for the whole family, meaning we know how to handle dental anxiety and how to make treatments as easy as possible for our patients, including children. Dr. McKinney and Dr. Graham, along with the rest of our skilled team, enjoy caring for patients of all ages at our office.
General Dentist Accepting New Patients
We always welcome new patients, from children and teenagers to adults and seniors, to visit our practice for the dental care you need to achieve and maintain optimal oral health. No matter your treatment, our goal is to keep you comfortable and relaxed. We work together with you to come up with the best solutions that work for you.
