Summertime is here! School is out, you’re taking time off from work, and you are preparing to embark on an exciting family vacation! Though you are ready to kick back and relax, there are a few items to take care of before you leave. Seeing your dentist should be one of them! Read on to discover why it’s important to check in before you head out.
Take Advantage of Your Flexible Schedule
We tend to have more flexibility during the summer than other months of the year with school and other extra-curricular activities on hiatus. That means summer is the ideal time to book an appointment to checkup on your oral health. Some schools ask for proof of current physical and dental appointments when classes resume, so don’t procrastinate. You wouldn’t want to put it off and then try to squeeze it into the back-to-school rush later!
Another benefit of a less rigid schedule is arranging those procedures that require multiple visits. Some examples include:
- Being fitted for aligners
- Installing braces
- Crown or cap placements
- Root canals
These treatments typically involve more than one trip, so now is a great time to get started!
Enjoy Summer Treats & Minimize Cavities
Some seasonal foods and beverages this time of year can harm your teeth due to high sugar content or acidic ingredients. This can damage the protective enamel on your teeth, increasing the likelihood of decay. Some common culprits include:
- Soda
- Fruit juice
- Ice cream
- Sticky candies and sweets
- Alcohol
By visiting your dentist in advance, you know your teeth are freshly cleaned and protected so that you can indulge. Though you still don’t want to overdo it, you can feel free to enjoy that ice cream sundae!
Avoid Emergencies During Your Vacation
It can be quite a harrowing experience to contend with a dental emergency when you are away from home. Who do you call? Where do you go? Will they take your insurance? Meeting with a professional proactively ensures that any minor issues are addressed before you take off, so it doesn’t become a real problem down the road. Making sure your teeth are in good condition allows you to stress less while you’re away.
Ensure Your Smile Is Camera Ready
You want to look and feel your best so that you can flash a camera-ready smile, but aesthetic issues like tooth discoloration or misalignment might have you feeling too self-conscious to participate. An expert can help you with the right treatments before your holiday to address these or other cosmetic concerns so that you’ll be prepared with a picture-perfect grin.
If you’re ready to take full advantage of your break this year, make an appointment now so that your oral health won’t hold you back!
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino at Lakewood Complete Dentistry follows a simple, three-part philosophy: serve our patients, make them comfortable, and provide quality dental care. He has provided state-of-the-art services to local families since 2017. If you are planning a trip and would like a consultation, you are welcome to contact the office via the website, or by calling (303) 238-2800.