Summer brings us more opportunities to enjoy our favorite outdoor sports and activities. But before you do anything that could jeopardize your smile, check out these summer safety tips for adults:

DON’T SIP ON SUGAR

Social events like festivals or family picnics make it tempting to reach for energy drinks, processed juice, or soda to cool off. If you must partake, consume them in moderation— those options are high in sugar and can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion.

Drinking water won’t hurt your teeth and also keeps you hydrated in the summer heat.

Pro tip: If you’re looking for fun flavor without the added sugar, try infusing your water with combinations of organic fruit, like watermelon and basil or grapefruit and raspberry.   

USE CAUTION WITH CHLORINE 

Spending time in the pool is cool, but too much chlorine can be harmful for your smile. People who swim more than six hours a week could develop hard, brown deposits on their front teeth, known as “swimmers’ calculus.” Pools that aren’t chlorinated properly can also wear away your enamel, making your teeth more brittle and sensitive. 

BE CAREFUL WITH CONTACT SPORTS

If you’re an athlete, a sports mouthguard is your best friend when it comes to protecting your smile, especially for people with braces. Not only can mouthguards lower the risk of broken teeth, but these flexible plastic appliances can prevent serious injuries like jaw fractures. 

Pro tip: Custom mouthguards made by your dentist are individually created for comfort and protection, but you can find a boil-and-bite protector at many drugstores and sporting good shops in a jam. 

If you do suffer a dental emergency, call your dentist as soon as possible.