Florida is synonymous with fun in the sun. Residents enjoy beautiful weather most of the year and don’t often deal with cold or snowy forecasts. Fantastic! However, high humidity does have drawbacks, including potential oral health complications.
In this blog, we explore how to navigate the Florida humidity to keep your oral health and restorations in top shape, even in the heat!
We’ll explore:
- The Trouble with Dry Mouth
- Choosing the Right Drinks
- Humidity and Bacterial Growth
The Potential Drawbacks of Humidity and Dental Health
Humidity Promotes Dry Mouth
Humidity makes us think of water and hydration. So, how can humidity be dehydrating?
When you sweat, you lose water, including salivary moisture that keeps your teeth and restorations lubricated. Without sufficient saliva, bacteria remain on teeth, promoting plaque buildup and tooth decay. It can also impact restorations, such as dental crowns, by disrupting the oral environment.
Humidity May Encourage You to Indulge in the Wrong Drinks
Sometimes when it’s hot and humid, we choose the wrong drinks to quench our thirst, grabbing soda and fruit juice instead of water.
Sugary and acidic beverages on their own promote tooth decay, but when these drinks are coupled with dry mouth and dehydration, it’s even worse.
Remember, sugary drinks tend to exacerbate dehydration.
Humidity Encourages Bacterial Growth
Humidity and dehydration are not a good mix because they encourage bacterial growth and help plaque become tartar, the ingredients that lead to tooth decay.
Tips to Keep Your Smile Healthy in the Heat and Humidity
- Stay hydrated by drinking water instead of sugary and acidic beverages.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily to keep your smile clean and free from plaque.
- See your dentist in Brandon, FL, every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Chew sugarless gum to help promote saliva production.
- Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free dental rinse periodically.
Is It Time to Visit the Dentist?
To schedule your next checkup and teeth cleaning in Brandon, FL, or if you have questions, call us today at (813) 689-5928.