Summer is a season filled with sunshine, outdoor activities, and plenty of reasons to smile. But can spending time in the sun actually benefit your oral health? The answer is yes, to a point. While moderate sun exposure may offer some indirect benefits for your smile, too much sun can also create risks for your lips and overall health.
Here’s how the summer sun can affect your smile and what you can do to enjoy the season safely.
The Benefits of Sunshine
One of the biggest advantages of spending time outdoors is that sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D. This essential nutrient plays an important role in helping your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are needed to build and maintain strong teeth and bones.
Vitamin D also supports healthy jawbone density and may contribute to healthier gums by supporting your immune system. While sunshine is one source of vitamin D, you can also obtain it through foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs, or through supplements if recommended by your healthcare provider.
Remember, you don’t need hours of sun exposure to reap these benefits. Short periods of time outdoors are often enough for many people.
Don’t Forget About Your Lips
While your teeth won’t get sunburned, your lips certainly can. The lips have thinner skin than many other parts of the body and contain less protective pigment, making them especially vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Repeated sun exposure can lead to:
- Painful sunburned lips.
- Dryness and cracking.
- Premature aging.
- An increased risk of lip cancer over time.
To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher before heading outside and reapply it throughout the day, especially after eating, drinking, or swimming.
Stay Hydrated
Hot summer temperatures can increase your risk of dehydration, which may reduce saliva production. Saliva plays an important role in washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and protecting your teeth from decay.
Carry a reusable water bottle and drink water regularly, particularly if you’re spending time outdoors or exercising. Limiting sugary sports drinks and sodas can also help reduce your risk of cavities.
Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene
Summer schedules are often less structured, making it easy to skip brushing or flossing while traveling or staying up late. Packing a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss can help you maintain your oral hygiene routine no matter where your adventures take you.
If you’re planning a vacation, consider scheduling a dental checkup before you leave so small problems can be addressed before they become unexpected emergencies.
The summer sun can support your overall health by helping your body produce vitamin D, but it’s only one piece of maintaining a healthy smile. Protect your lips from harmful UV rays, stay hydrated, practice good oral hygiene, and visit your dentist regularly. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping your smile healthy, comfortable, and bright all season long.
About the Practice
Do you know what can really benefit your smile? Two trips per year to the dentist for preventive care! At Melrose Dental Group, we’ll not only give your teeth a good cleaning, we’ll also give your mouth a thorough exam to check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, cavities, and other issues. After all, the best way to solve a problem is to get out ahead of it early. So, if it’s time for one of your annual visits to the dentist, book online or call (781) 665-1552.