Summer is a time for fun in the sun and various outdoor adventures. But those adventures can sometimes take you away from your toothbrush or other dental care tools for a long period of time. Not many people take their floss or mouth wash on an all-day trip to the beach, in other words. But with a little pre-planning, it's possible for you to get yourself and your family through the summer without anyone suffering significant damage to their teeth or oral health. Here are some important dental tips to keep in mind as you navigate the summer.

A Water Rinse is Better Than Nothing

As was just mentioned, it's not likely you're going to have your toothbrush with you at the local beach, amusement park, or summer picnic. If you know you are about to go all day without having access to your dental care tools, you can at the very least try to mitigate any damage by regularly rinsing your mouth with water. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times or pick one up in a vending machine if you are on the go. Swish some water around to get rid of random bits of food or any sugar that might be coating your teeth after eating summer sweets. This will at least keep your mouth from being coated in cavity-causing plaque all day until you can return home and get back to your normal routine.

Take a Straw with You to the Picnic

Summer is a time when plenty of your friends and family members might be throwing picnics, BBQs, or maybe a full-fledged reunion. If you are going to an event where there will be grub and beverages, be aware of the sugar content of what you are consuming. For best results, consider pouring that can of pop into a glass and then using a straw instead of just drinking it right out of the can. This will keep the sugar in the pop or other beverage from coating all of your teeth on its way to the back of your throat.

Don't Forget a Mouth Guard, Especially for Your Kids

Summer is also a time when people engage in outdoor activities like sports. If you are investing in some safety or athletic gear for your favorite sport, consider also picking up a mouthguard. If you don't want one yourself, at least consider it for your children if they are involved in a lot of youth sports leagues. A guard can prevent a dental emergency if you or your child accidentally catch a ball or a cleat to the face.

Contact a dentist such as Thornley Dental today for more summer dental tips.