Especially in California, living by the coast is a beautiful way to live. Some of the benefits are the fresh sea air, the beautiful views, and the ease of getting to water sports.
However, the things that make living near the coast so nice can also be bad for your teeth. Different things, like saltwater, heat, and sun, can have different effects on your teeth and gums.
You can find a great dental office in Encinitas, California if you live there and want to keep your teeth healthy. There are a lot of very good dentists in Encinitas. They do everything from simple things like cleanings and exams to more complicated things like tooth implants and braces.
The harmful rays of the sun.
Sunshine is good for our health in general, but too much of it can hurt your lips and mouth. Because the skin on your lips is so thin and delicate, being out in the sun for a long time can cause sunburn, chapping, and even lip cancer.
UV rays from the sun can also make your immune system weaker, which can make you more likely to get mouth infections.
To keep your lips and mouth safe from the sun, follow these steps:
- No matter what the weather is like, you should always put sunscreen on your lips that has an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which block UV rays, should be in the lip balms you look for.
- Shield your lips and face with a wide-brimmed hat.
- In the hottest parts of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm, look for shade.
The effects of saltwater.
Water with salt may feel nice on a hot day, but it is bad for your teeth. One sip probably will not hurt you, but drinking saltwater often can wear away your tooth enamel, which is the hard layer on the outside of your teeth that keeps them from decay. This wear and tear can make your teeth more sensitive to sugar, heat, and cold.
If you swim or boat in saltwater a lot, here are some ways to keep your skin from getting damaged:
- After swimming or being in the ocean, rinse your mouth with clean water.
- As soon as you can after being in saltwater, brush your teeth well.
- You might want to use toothpaste that is made for sensitive teeth.
The hidden dangers of humidity.
It tends to be hotter along the coast than in the middle of the country. Microbes in your mouth can grow quickly when it is humid, which can cause plaque buildup and gum disease.
Plaque is a film that sticks to your teeth and has germs that are bad for you. If you do not brush your teeth regularly, plaque can turn into tartar, which is hard to get rid of without a professional cleaning.
To protect your mouth health from the effects of humidity, try these tips:
- Every day, brush your teeth for two minutes each time.
- Every day, floss your teeth to get rid of bacteria and food stuck between them.
- During the day, drink a lot of water to stay refreshed and get rid of germs.
- Get your teeth cleaned and checked regularly, especially if you are worried about gum disease.
Maintain a healthy smile and enjoy your life by the coast.
If you live near the coast, you do not have to give up good oral health. Simple steps like these will keep your teeth and gums safe from the weather and your smile healthy and bright.
Always keep in mind that protection is better than cure. Long term, taking care of your teeth now will save you time, money, and pain. It is possible to enjoy living by the coast and keep your smile healthy and happy by following these steps.
