Hello, summer! With the hottest time of year right around the corner and that beach lounger calling your name, squeezing in a last-minute dental exam is probably the last thing on your mind. But unfortunately, if you have any undiagnosed dental problems, taking off without taking care of them could land you in the wrong kind of seating: the emergency dentist’s chair! Don’t put a damper on your vacation plans. Here’s a closer look at why it’s so important to get your smile checked before you head out on your summer adventure!
Time is On Your Side
Even if you work full time, parents often have a slower schedule in the summer because their kids don’t have school or extracurricular activities during break. This makes the hot season the perfect opportunity to pencil in those semi-annual appointments like dental checkups and cleanings. It also ensures that your family will have healthy, beautiful smiles in those incredible vacation photos you’ll no doubt be taking in the coming weeks!
Avoid the Back-to-School Rush
While nobody wants to hear the dreaded “s” word just yet, the truth is that your family’s break will eventually come to an end, and your kids will likely have to go back to school. However, instead of rushing to squeeze in to see your dentist at the end of the season, why not make your appointment now and avoid the hassle of stressing about it later. This way, if your family dentist does diagnose any problems, you can get them treated sooner so you can enjoy the break without the worry of worsening damage, especially if you’re heading out of town.
Be a Good Sport
Dentistry is a largely preventive field, meaning your dentist wants to stop problems before they have a chance to get worse. Thus, if you or someone in your family plays sports, it is important to protect their teeth from harm with a sports guard. Your dentist can create one for you that fits like a glove, shielding the mouth from damage when participating in activities like playing baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, rollerblading and much more!
Summer School’s in Session
Yes, it’s true that ‘school’s out for summer’, but just because there are no classes in session doesn’t mean your family can’t “brush up” on some important skills. Breaktime is an excellent opportunity for parents to make sure their kids are brushing and flossing correctly, and as frequently as required, and for helping correct them while there’s plenty of time to do it right.
Safe Travels!
Finally, you’ve already done the legwork of planning the perfect trip: the tickets are purchased, the hotel is reserved, and the suitcases are packed. Unfortunately, things like changes in air pressure from planes, hiking, and snorkeling or SCUBA diving can make painful dental problems a lot worse. They can even loosen restorations like dental fillings and crowns. Thus, it is important to have your smile checked before you travel. That way, you won’t run into any painful problems when you’re away or must rely on an emergency dentist that isn’t familiar with your smile or possibly even your language!
Remember, your family’s summer vacation is supposed to be fun and relaxing, not spent dealing with an agonizing dental emergency. So, don’t put your smile at risk this season: schedule your preventive exam and cleaning before you hit the road and you’ll have plenty of reasons to show off your gorgeous grin during this well-deserved break!
About Dr. Weiss
Dr. Brad Weiss earned his dental degree at Indiana University’s School of Dentistry. Since graduating he has continued his education at the L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida and has been a part of their Visiting Faculty since 2008. A Fellow into the prestigious American College of Dentists in 2012, he also holds a staff appointment at Evanston Hospital where he oversees residents in Restorative Dentistry and serves on the Chicago Dental Society’s mediation committee. To schedule an exam and cleaning at Weiss Dental Arts, visit our website or call 847-864-0188.