Summer is in full swing, and many of us are revelling in the heatwave. If you’re soaking up the sunshine this summer, don’t forget to look after your smile. Here are 4 simple ways you can protect your pearly whites when the mercury rises:

Drink plenty of water

Hot weather often leads to dehydration, which increases the risk of lethargy, headaches and dry mouth. If it’s warm outside, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Ideally, you should aim for 2 litres per day. If you’ve been sweating, you’ll need to increase your intake to replace lost fluids.

Avoid fizzy drinks

When the sun is shining, it’s tempting to reach for ice cold cans of pop. While fizzy drinks may be a refreshing option, they’re harmful for your teeth. Most fizzy drinks have high sugar content, and even diet versions are acidic. Drink water or sugar-free cordial instead, and if you’re desperate for a can of pop, go for a diet drink and drink it with your lunch or dinner. Eating and drinking acidic and sugary foods between meals can be particularly damaging to the enamel.

Use a straw

Many of us tend to suffer from heightened sensitivity in the summer when we opt for ice cold drinks, frozen lollies and ice creams. If you’re prone to pain when you eat or drink something very hot or freezing cold, use a straw when you drink. This will help to minimise contact with your enamel. Sensitivity can be a sign of decay, so see your dentist if the pain gets worse or more frequent.

See your dentist

If you’re going on holiday, or you’re planning to spend your well-earned weeks off on the beach or in the park, the last thing you want is to end up in bed nursing horrific toothache. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or you’ve been struggling with dental pain, it’s wise to get in touch and book an appointment before you jet off or start your leave. This will reduce the risk of dental dilemmas spoiling your fun.