Summer is the perfect time to relax, travel and enjoy quality time with family and friends. Whether you’re jetting off abroad, enjoying a UK staycation or spending sunny weekends around Chiswick, it’s easy for your normal oral hygiene routine to slip.

At Strand on the Green Dental, we regularly see patients returning from holiday with unexpected dental problems such as tooth sensitivity, broken fillings or gum inflammation that could often have been avoided with a little preparation. As your trusted dentist in Chiswick, W4, we’d like to share our top summer dental care tips to help you keep your smile healthy wherever your holiday takes you.

Why Summer Can Be Tough on Your Teeth

Summer holidays often mean:

• More sugary drinks
• Ice creams and sweets
• Alcoholic beverages
• BBQs and acidic foods
• Changes to your brushing routine
• Sports and outdoor activities

All of these can increase your risk of:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth sensitivity
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Dental emergencies

Fortunately, a few simple habits can keep your teeth healthy throughout the season.

1. Never Skip Brushing Your Teeth

It sounds obvious, but holidays often disrupt our routines.

Whether you’re staying in a hotel, camping or catching an early flight, make sure you still:

• Brush twice a day for two minutes
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
• Replace your toothbrush if it’s looking worn

A travel toothbrush and small toothpaste can easily fit into hand luggage.

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2. Stay Hydrated with Water

Hot weather can quickly lead to dehydration.

A dry mouth produces less saliva, and saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria.

Water also helps rinse away food particles and sugar.

Try to:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Choose water instead of fizzy drinks when possible
• Rinse with water after sugary snacks

3. Watch Out for Sugary Summer Treats

Ice creams, cocktails, fruit juices and holiday desserts are all enjoyable—but frequent sugar consumption feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Instead of constantly snacking throughout the day:

• Eat treats with meals where possible
• Avoid sipping sugary drinks over long periods
• Brush before bed without fail

Remember—it’s the frequency of sugar exposure that’s often more damaging than the amount.

4. Protect Your Teeth During Summer Sports

Many people become more active during the summer.

Sports such as:

• Cycling
• Football
• Rugby
• Cricket
• Skateboarding
• Water sports

all carry a risk of dental injuries.

If you or your children play contact sports, wearing a professionally fitted sports mouthguard offers excellent protection against broken teeth.

5. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools

Holiday mode often leads people to:

• Open bottles
• Tear packaging
• Crack nuts
• Bite fishing line

Using your teeth this way can chip enamel or break fillings and crowns.

Always use the proper tool instead.

6. Be Careful with Ice Cubes

Chewing ice might seem harmless in the summer heat, but it’s one of the quickest ways to:

• Crack enamel
• Damage fillings
• Chip front teeth

If you enjoy cold drinks, let the ice melt naturally.

7. Pack a Holiday Dental Kit

Before travelling, prepare a small dental kit containing:

• Toothbrush
• Fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or interdental brushes
• Orthodontic wax (if you wear braces)
• Pain relief
• Sugar-free chewing gum
• Spare aligners or retainers if you use them

A little preparation can prevent unnecessary stress abroad.

8. Wear Your Retainers

Summer holidays often mean late nights and different routines.

If you’ve recently completed orthodontic treatment, don’t forget to wear your retainers exactly as instructed.

Missing even a few nights can allow teeth to begin shifting.

9. Book a Dental Check-up Before You Travel

One of the smartest things you can do before a long holiday is schedule a routine dental examination.

Your dentist can identify problems such as:

• Small cavities
• Loose fillings
• Early gum disease
• Cracked teeth
• Signs of infection

Treating these issues before you travel can help you avoid the inconvenience and expense of emergency dental treatment while away.

If you’re planning a summer holiday, consider booking an appointment with our experienced team at Strand on the Green Dental Practice before you leave. We provide comprehensive preventive, restorative and cosmetic dentistry for patients across Chiswick, Kew, Richmond, Ealing and West London.

What If You Have a Dental Emergency on Holiday?

If you experience:

• Severe toothache
• Swelling
• A knocked-out tooth
• Broken crown
• Lost filling

Seek dental care as soon as possible.

If you’re travelling abroad, contact your travel insurer for advice on accessing emergency dental services.

Once you’re back home, arrange a follow-up appointment to ensure the problem has fully resolved.

Healthy Teeth All Summer Long

Looking after your teeth during summer doesn’t mean avoiding all the fun—it simply means maintaining good habits while enjoying yourself.

By:

• Brushing twice daily
• Drinking plenty of water
• Limiting sugary snacks
• Wearing a mouthguard when needed
• Booking a dental check-up before travelling

you’ll greatly reduce the chance of holiday dental problems and keep your smile healthy all season long.

Book Your Summer Dental Check-up in Chiswick

Whether you’re preparing for your holiday or have recently returned and would like your teeth checked, our friendly team at Strand on the Green Dental Practice is here to help.

We’re a family-run dental practice providing high-quality dental care for patients throughout Chiswick, W4, Kew, Richmond, Brentford, Ealing and West London, offering preventive dentistry, dental hygiene appointments, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, Invisalign®, dental implants and emergency dental care.

📞 Call us today on 020 8995 0298

Book your appointment today and enjoy your summer with a healthy, confident smile.