Staying on Track with Oral Hygiene This Summer: Your Guide to a Healthy Seasonal Smile

Longer days, warmer weather, and a break from routine—summer brings sunshine, fun, and a sense of freedom. But with vacations, outdoor adventures, and schedule changes, it’s also a season when many people let their daily routines, including oral hygiene, slide. That’s why summer is one of the most important times to be intentional about your dental health.

At El Segundo Modern Dentistry, we want your summer to be filled with joy, not dental emergencies or unexpected trips to the dentist. By staying consistent with oral hygiene and making smart seasonal choices, you can protect your smile and keep your mouth healthy all summer long.

Why Summer Can Challenge Your Oral Hygiene Routine

The relaxed pace of summer can be great for your mental health—but it’s not always kind to your teeth. Here are a few reasons your oral care might take a hit this time of year:

• More frequent snacking on sugary treats and acidic drinks
• Travel disruptions that make it harder to brush and floss
• Increased consumption of staining foods and beverages
• Late nights or spontaneous plans that cause people to skip brushing
• Dehydration from hot weather, which can lead to dry mouth and increase cavity risk

If you have kids, summer can also mean missed routines for them—especially if they’re spending time at camp, with friends, or away from home.

The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can keep your oral hygiene habits strong without sacrificing summer fun.

Daily Habits to Keep Your Smile Summer-Ready

Consistency is key to a healthy smile, no matter the season. Here’s how to stay on track with your routine:

1. Brush Twice a Day—No Matter What

No matter how busy or relaxed your schedule is, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is non-negotiable. Be sure to:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Brush for a full two minutes
• Reach all surfaces of your teeth, including the gumline and tongue

Tip: If you’re heading on vacation or staying somewhere unfamiliar, pack an extra toothbrush so you're never caught without one.

2. Floss Daily (Yes, Even in Summer)

Flossing removes plaque and food debris between teeth—areas your toothbrush can’t reach. If regular floss feels like a hassle, try floss picks or a water flosser to make it easier.

Summer travel trick: Keep floss picks in your purse, car, or beach bag for on-the-go cleanups.

3. Rinse After Sugary or Acidic Foods

Summer treats like lemonade, soda, popsicles, and BBQ sauces can leave sugar and acid lingering on your teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking can help neutralize acids and reduce your cavity risk.

Optional: Use a fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash for added protection, especially before bed.

Pack a Summer Travel Dental Kit

Going on a road trip, camping, or flying to a new destination? Don’t leave your dental care behind. Create a portable oral care kit with these essentials:

• Travel-size toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or floss picks
• Mouthwash (alcohol-free options available)
• Orthodontic wax if you have braces
• Sugar-free gum or xylitol mints to stimulate saliva
• A small mirror and compact case for retainers or aligners

Pro tip: Keep a backup kit in your car or beach bag for spontaneous getaways.

Hydration: Your Secret Weapon for Summer Oral Health

Summer heat means more time outdoors—and more sweating. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which reduces saliva flow. Saliva is crucial for:

• Neutralizing acids
• Washing away food particles
• Keeping oral tissues healthy
• Preventing cavities and gum disease

How to stay hydrated:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Choose water over sugary drinks or energy drinks
• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill often

If you’re drinking beverages that stain (like iced coffee or red wine), sip water alongside them to minimize their effects on your enamel.

Smart Summer Snacks for a Healthier Smile

It’s easy to grab chips, cookies, or soda at the pool or park—but these can damage your teeth and increase your risk for cavities. Swap in smile-friendly snacks like:

• Fresh fruits (apple slices, strawberries, grapes)
• Crunchy veggies (carrots, celery, cucumber)
• Cheese cubes or yogurt
• Whole grain wraps or sandwiches with lean protein
• Smoothies made with leafy greens and calcium-rich ingredients

Avoid sticky candies, chewy granola bars, and hard popcorn kernels, which can damage fillings, braces, or enamel.

Watch Out for Whitening Pitfalls

If you're using a whitening treatment to boost your summer smile, be aware that recently whitened teeth can be more sensitive to:

• Cold foods and drinks
• Acidic beverages (like citrus or soda)
• Dark-colored foods (which can stain your enamel again)

Stick to a white-teeth-friendly diet for the first few days after whitening and talk to your dentist about sensitivity management.

Don’t Skip Your Dental Checkup

Summer can feel like a good time to push off appointments—but skipping your checkup now can lead to bigger problems later. A preventive visit ensures:

• Early detection of cavities, cracks, or gum issues
• Thorough cleaning to remove tartar buildup
• Personalized advice to stay on track with your hygiene
• An oral cancer screening (which is part of every checkup at El Segundo Modern Dentistry)

Back-to-school tip: If you or your child needs dental work, scheduling it during summer avoids school-day disruptions later.

Special Considerations for Braces and Aligners

If you wear braces or Invisalign®, summer brings added challenges. Here’s how to stay on track:

• Stick to your aligner wear schedule —even on vacation
• Avoid foods that can break brackets , like corn on the cob or hard candies
• Brush after meals to prevent plaque around brackets or trays
• Use your aligner case —never wrap trays in a napkin (they often get thrown away!)
• Pack extra aligners if you’ll be gone for more than a week

Traveling? Call your orthodontist before you leave to make sure you’re stocked with everything you need.

Make It a Family Affair

Summer is also a great time to help kids and teens take more responsibility for their dental health. Get them involved by:

• Creating a brushing and flossing chart
• Letting them choose their own toothbrush or toothpaste flavor
• Making brushing fun with music or a two-minute timer
• Planning a small reward (like a trip to the park) for consistent oral care

Building good habits now sets the foundation for lifelong oral health.

A Bright, Healthy Smile—All Summer Long

Summer may be the season of fun, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your oral hygiene. By staying consistent with your brushing, flossing, hydration, and diet—even on the go—you can prevent cavities, avoid emergencies, and keep your smile shining.

At El Segundo Modern Dentistry, we’re here to support your dental health year-round. Whether you’re due for a checkup, want to freshen your smile, or need personalized advice for summer dental care, our team is ready to help. Call us today to schedule your next appointment and keep your summer smile strong, bright, and healthy—no matter where the season takes you.