When it comes to protecting your teeth and gums, you already know how important it is to be diligent year-round. But what you may not know is that some summertime activities could put your smile at undue risk. Here are three common things you may not have realized are dangerous, and how you can still have fun and prevent a dental emergency at the same time!
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is becoming an increasingly popular sport at beaches around the world. The great news is that with so many excellent courses available, it’s also safer than ever, too. But what many participants don’t realize is that it can be dangerous for your smile. That’s because a little-known condition called “divers mouth syndrome” can occur. It happens when you clench your jaw on your equipment, making it stiff and painful. Combined with the changing pressure as you dive, this can worsen preexisting conditions like TMJ disorder, as well as make your teeth and jaw ache.
If you plan on diving into the depths this summer, be sure to see your dentist first, to ensure that your dental work is secure and that your jaw is healthy and strong. Then, when you go under, be sure to keep your jaw relaxed so you don’t experience as much sensitivity in the days after your excursion.
Drinking from the Hose
Remember when you were a kid and it was way too much effort to go inside and get a glass of water? That’s what the garden hose is for, right? Well, unfortunately today that’s wrong. That’s because studies have shown that nearly 40 percent of all garden hoses contain a dangerous chemical known as PVC which also has lead in it. That means when you drink from it, you could be ingesting a cocktail of poisons that could cause tooth decay and lead poisoning. Thus, be sure to purchase a lead and PVC free hose if you plan on drinking from it and let the water run until it’s cold before taking a sip. This will help ensure that any chemicals sitting in the hose are flushed out before you begin drinking.
Inflatable Water Toys
Beach balls, tubes, and rafts are fun additions to the beach or pool but blowing them up can be a chore. In fact, it can often be a two-person job. Unfortunately, while this may seem healthier than leaving one person lightheaded, it’s not really much better, because dangerous Streptococcus Mutans bacteria (which is responsible for cavities) can be transmitted from person to person via saliva. Thus, if you share the responsibility of inflating toys, you could be sharing oral health hazards, too! Instead, do yourself and your family a favor and invest in an electric air pump. For about ten bucks, you can save your breath and your teeth and inflate your favorite pool toys in a fraction of the time!
Remember, summertime fun shouldn’t harm your smile. Try these tips and you’ll enjoy the warmer months without putting your oral health at risk!
About Dr. Karpman
Dr. Julia Karpman earned her dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. She is passionate about pursuing continuing education, and has taken many courses on Bioclear, clear aligners, sleep apnea, cosmetic dentistry, and comprehensive dentistry. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call Dental Essentials of Rocky Hill as soon as possible at 860-563-3766.