Brits could be unknowingly putting their oral health at risk during periods of hot weather, a dentist has warned.
Richard Miller-White, who has been treating patients for more than 30 years, says the heat itself isn’t necessarily the problem. It’s the dehydration and changes in everyday habits that can come with it.
When people become dehydrated, they can develop a dry mouth. Saliva is one of the mouth’s natural defences, helping to wash away food debris, neutralise acids and protect teeth throughout the day.
Richard said: “Most people understand the importance of staying hydrated during a heatwave, but very few realise dehydration can also affect their oral health.
“Saliva is your mouth’s first line of defence. Without enough of it, bacteria, food debris and acids aren’t cleared away as effectively, which can create the conditions for dental problems.”
People with a persistently dry mouth are at greater risk of tooth decay. It can also cause problems including bad breath, soreness and discomfort.
Richard said: “If your mouth constantly feels dry during hot weather, don’t just ignore it. Drinking plenty of water is important, but persistent dry mouth can have other causes too, including certain medications and health conditions.
“If it continues despite drinking enough water, it’s worth speaking to your dentist, GP or pharmacist.”
What you drink matters
Dehydration isn’t the only potential problem during hot weather. People may also go for cold drinks more frequently, and that can include fizzy drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks and iced coffees. Some of these drinks contain sugar, while many can also be acidic.
Sugar contributes to tooth decay because bacteria in dental plaque convert sugars into acids that attack the teeth. Acidic drinks present a different problem because frequent exposure can gradually wear away the enamel covering the teeth, known as dental erosion.
Richard said: “People naturally want something cold and refreshing when it’s hot, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying that.
“The important thing is to think about what you’re drinking and how often you’re having it. Frequently sipping sugary or acidic drinks throughout the day means your teeth are being exposed more often.”
Keeping sugary and acidic drinks to mealtimes where possible can help reduce the frequency of exposure, while water is one of the best choices between meals.
Drinking water after acidic food or drinks can also help rinse the mouth, while sugar-free chewing gum can stimulate saliva production.
Don’t immediately reach for the toothbrush
It may sound sensible to brush your teeth immediately after having an acidic drink, but dental guidance recommends waiting. Acidic food and drinks can temporarily soften the enamel, making it more vulnerable to wear from brushing.
Richard said: “People often assume that brushing immediately after a fizzy drink or fruit juice is the best way to protect their teeth, but you should give your mouth some time first.
“Have some water and wait before brushing rather than reaching for your toothbrush straight away.”
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important ways to prevent tooth decay, alongside cleaning between the teeth and limiting how often sugary food and drinks are consumed.
Think twice before chewing the ice
Another summer habit Richard is warning against is chewing the ice left in cold drinks.
Ice doesn’t contain sugar or acid, but biting down on something very hard can potentially chip or crack a tooth or damage existing dental work.
Richard said: “People assume ice is harmless because it’s only frozen water, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless to bite.
“If you enjoy ice in your drinks, let it melt rather than crunching through it. It’s an easy habit to avoid, and there’s no benefit to putting that extra pressure on your teeth.”
Very cold food and drinks can also trigger sensitivity in some people. Tooth sensitivity can have several causes, including exposed tooth roots, acid wear, tooth decay or a cracked tooth. Anyone experiencing new, severe or persistent sensitivity should seek dental advice rather than assuming the temperature of their drink is the only problem.
Richard said: “Cold drinks don’t necessarily cause sensitive teeth, but they can expose a problem that’s already there.
“If you suddenly notice pain every time you have something cold, particularly if it doesn’t settle, that’s something worth discussing with your dentist.”
Don’t ignore a persistently dry mouth
Dry mouth can be particularly noticeable when someone is dehydrated, but dehydration is only one possible cause.
Certain medicines, anxiety, mouth breathing and some medical treatments and health conditions can also cause a persistently dry mouth.
For people experiencing temporary dryness, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum can help. NHS guidance also advises limiting large amounts of alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks when dealing with a dry mouth.
Richard said: “The best thing people can do during hot weather is keep water nearby and drink regularly.
“That benefits your whole body, but it also helps your mouth do what it’s designed to do. Saliva has an important protective role, so staying properly hydrated matters for your oral health as well.”
Small changes can help protect teeth
Hot weather doesn’t mean people need to change their dental routine. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between the teeth, drinking plenty of water and limiting the frequency of sugary and acidic food and drinks remain some of the most effective ways to protect oral health.
During hot weather periods, being conscious of dehydration and the temptation to repeatedly reach for sugary or acidic cold drinks can provide some additional protection.
Richard said: “You don’t have to avoid enjoying a cold drink in the sunshine. It’s about making sensible choices rather than cutting everything out.
“Stay hydrated with water, be conscious of how frequently you’re having sugary or acidic drinks and don’t make a habit of chewing ice.
“Most people wouldn’t dream of spending the day in the sun without thinking about sunscreen or hydration. Looking after your mouth deserves some attention too.”
While a heatwave doesn’t directly cause tooth decay, dehydration and some of the habits associated with hot weather can create conditions that are not good for oral health.
Keeping hydrated, maintaining normal brushing and interdental cleaning, and reducing frequent exposure to sugar and acid can help prevent a few days of hot weather contributing to dental problems that last considerably longer.
