The summer festival season here in the UK is nearly upon us, but that doesn’t mean your dental hygiene should fall to the wayside just because you’re having a lovely weekend of music, dancing, and good times. So what should you be doing to keep your smile in tip top shape this summer? Let’s go through some tips for high end oral health!
1. Drink water
First things first, make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking water in preference to sweetened drinks is beneficial to your teeth, with studies showing that soft drinks and other sugary beverages contribute to the severity of dental erosion and decay. The fewer sweetened drinks and the less alcohol you consume, the better it is for your teeth. Drinking water after eating also removes damaging acids from your mouth, and is an easy thing to do when you’re in front of a stage and far away from your campsite (and toothbrush).
2. Don’t forget your toothbrush
Speaking of…don’t forget your toothbrush and toothpaste when you’re packing! No amount of water can replace the benefits of a good scrub to start and end the day. And this means no sharing, either. Sharing toothbrushes can lead to sharing nasty bacteria such as Hepatitis B, along with other infections, and that’s something you’ll have to deal with long after the festival is over. Be sure to keep your toothbrush spic and span by picking up a little reusable toothbrush cover. If push comes to shove, you can also use a plastic bag to keep things tidy.
3. Sugar free gum
Again, when you’re spending most of your time dancing, singing, and checking out the tents, brushing your teeth 3 times a day isn’t going to be at the top of your list. A stopgap for teeth cleaning is to take a pack or two of sugar free chewing gum with you and chew on a piece after eating or drinking sugary drinks. Swill with some water afterwards. By stimulating the production of saliva, the gum can help reduce acid attacks, aiding in protection against dental decay. While this tip is no replacement for brushing your teeth, it will hold you over until you can get back to your toothbrush.
4. Lipstick
This one is for the ladies out there! If you want your teeth to look whiter and brighter while you dance the day and night away, bring a bright colour of lipstick to slick on before you head out to the field. The reds and pinks will detract from any stains on your teeth and appear to brighten your smile, and it just takes seconds.
