Updated

With the summer season about to hit full swing, so do dental injuries, dehydration and stress in the mouth as well. Here are some important A-list tips for your dental health and wellness to keep you smiling all summer.

Wear an Athletic Mouth Guard

Did you know that you are more likely to chip a tooth during the summer months? In fact, dental injuries skyrocket in the summer season. There's more activity and motion in summer increasing the likelihood of someone breaking a tooth. When playing sports make sure you wear the proper mouth guard protection. See your dentist to get a mouth guard that will give you the right protection for your specific sport. If you do damage your teeth, see your dentist as soon as possible for proper care.

Remember to Hydrate

Water may not begin with an "A" but it is at the top of the list for summer. In fact, water is critical in preventing heat related illnesses. Summer fun and high temperatures make you sweat a lot more, which drains your body of water and essential minerals, making your mouth dry from a lack of saliva. This can make you prone to tooth decay and gum disease. It's vital that you stay hydrated at all times. While sports drinks may seem more attractive, most of them have too much sugar to do your body any good. Water still remains the best way to keep hydrated this summer.

Keep an Alkalizing and Antioxidant Rich Diet

In the summer season take advantage of your local farmer's market by purchasing foods that support your oral and overall health. If you're looking for something sweet this summer go for raspberries, blackberries, strawberries or blueberries, rather than soda and ice cream. Vegetables that are alkalizing as well as antioxidant rich like kale, broccoli, and green beans are the perfect green vegetables to be stocking up on. Remember, the July 4th Bar-B-Q and beach clambakes are great fun to enjoy if you can also balance your meal with fresh, vitamin-rich foods as well.

Stay Active

Studies have shown that people who keep an active fitness lifestyle have a lower incidence of gum disease. Exercise and fitness improve the competence of your circulatory and immune systems. Besides helping to keep your muscles and body weight in order, you will not be as prone to the summer cold or flu. Running, swimming, biking or a brisk beach walk can be just what the doctor ordered.

Limit Alcohol

Drinking alcohol has a powerful dehydrating effect on the body. A cold beer or frozen margarita may taste great, but it will subtly drain the body of water and minerals and, in fact, create a desire to drink more in a misguided attempt to rehydrate. Alcohol consumption impairs the central nervous system (CNS) function and is responsible for an abundance of dental injuries from impaired judgment. Always drink responsibly, and if you do have an alcoholic beverage, try to follow by also drinking two glasses of water.

The summer season is a great time to rest, relax, restore and replenish. This weekend is a time to also appreciate the freedom we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. It is a time to express patriotism....three cheers for the red, WHITE, and blue!

Dr. Gerry Curatola is a renowned aesthetic dentist and pioneer in the emerging field of rejuvenation dentistry, which improves patients' overall health and appearance by integrating total wellness with cutting edge oral care and restorative procedures. In addition to his private practice, research, and work as a Clinical Associate Professor at NYU College of Dentistry, he is an internationally sought after speaker, author and expert who has been featured widely in print and broadcast media. For more information, go to

rejuvenationdentistry.com

.