Summer is here – and we have been extraordinarily lucky with the weather here in the UK this year (so far!) July and August present us with long sunny days, family holidays, and plenty of opportunities to relax and indulge and whilst this season brings a lot of joy and fun, it can be stressful too. Changes to your routine can throw your oral health routine off track, whether that’s extra snacks on the beach or sugary drinks at your neighbour’s barbecue – it’s easy to forget about your teeth.
However, with a little planning an preparation, you can ensure that you keep your smile healthy and bright all summer. In this guide, we’ll share:
- How to maintain good dental habits on holiday
- The best and worst summer foods for your teeth
- Barbecue season tips for a smile-friendly plate
- A back-to-school dental checklist for kids
Let’s make this your healthiest summer yet – without making it boring! It all starts with a few healthy habits…
Healthy habits on your hols
When you’re away from home, routines often change. You might be enjoying late nights, new foods, or skipping your usual brushing schedule because you’re busy having fun. Here’s how to stay on top of your oral health while on the go:
Pack the essentials
A travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss or interdental brushes, and a small bottle of alcohol-free mouthwash should be at the top of your packing list. Keep them in your hand luggage if you’re flying – great for a quick refresh after a long journey.
Stick to twice a day
Even if you’re out exploring all day or relaxing by the pool, aim to brush at least twice daily. Brush after breakfast and before bed as usual.
Snack smart
Holiday treats are part of the fun, but grazing throughout the day means your teeth are under constant acid attack. Instead, enjoy sweets and sugary drinks with meals rather than between them – and drink plenty of water to rinse away sugars. Chewing sugar free gum can also help your mouth between meals or on long haul flights. If you’ve booked an all-inclusive holiday where drinks and meals are included you should try not to view this as ‘all you can eat’ or try to get your money’s worth by scoffing larger portions or extra puddings. Of course a little bit of what you fancy does you good – and yes, you deserve it! But try to keep your meals balanced.
Don’t forget to pack the necessities
If you grind your teeth and wear a guard at night, don’t leave it at home. Travel stress can make grinding worse and it might be difficult to get hold of one on holiday. Likewise if you have a retainer or any other special dental equipment make sure it’s written on your packing list and you check it twice. (Likewise: don’t forget to pack it and leave it behind when you return home, either! It’s easily done! )
Summer drinks and treats
Summer often means more fizzy drinks, cocktails, and ice creams – but these can wreak havoc on your teeth if you’re not careful.
- Fizzy drinks – Both sugary and sugar-free versions are acidic, which can erode enamel over time. Use a straw where possible and rinse with water afterward.
- Cocktails – Many are packed with sugar and citrus, which can soften enamel. Sip water between drinks.
- Ice cream & frozen treats – Fine in moderation, but avoid biting down on hard frozen ice lollies to protect enamel.
Smile-friendly swaps:
- Sparkling water with fresh fruit instead of sugary fizzy drinks.
- Cheese or nuts instead of sweets for snacking.
- Milk-based smoothies for a calcium boost.
Eating your way through barbecue season
Barbecues are a summer favourite – and with a little thought, they can be kind to your teeth too.
Best choices for your smile:
- Lean meats or veggie options – Packed with protein, which is good for teeth and gums.
- Cheese platters – Cheese helps neutralise acids and provides calcium.
- Crunchy vegetables – Carrot sticks, peppers, and celery stimulate saliva and help clean teeth naturally.
What to limit:
- Sticky sauces – Sweet barbecue glazes cling to teeth and increase decay risk.
- Sugary drinks and alcohol – Opt for water or sugar-free options when possible.
Pro tip: If you can’t brush directly after eating, drink water or chew sugar-free gum to help protect your enamel.
Back-to-school dental checklist
Our kids might think it’s too early to start thinking about this, no one likes to see back to school ads before the holidays have finished! But, the end of summer signals a return to routine – and it’s the perfect time to get your child’s dental health in shape before the new school year begins.
Book a check-up
A dental visit before term starts ensures any issues are caught early and gives your child confidence in their smile.
Refresh their kit
Make sure your child has:
- A good-quality toothbrush (replace every 3 months)
- Fluoride toothpaste (check the fluoride level for their age)
- A small brush for after-school activities if needed
Pack smart lunches
Swap sugary snacks for tooth-friendly options like:
- Cheese cubes
- Veggie sticks
- Sugar-free yoghurt
- Fresh fruit in moderation
Protect their teeth during sports
If your child plays contact sports, a mouthguard is the best protection against dental injuries. You can buy these ‘off the peg’ at sports retailers or online, but you can have a custom made one fitted instead. Find out more about mouthguards on the Oral Health Foundation website.
Tips for the whole family
- Stay hydrated – Water is your best friend for oral health.
- Don’t skip flossing – Even when you’re busy, floss (or use interdental brushes) once a day to remove plaque between teeth.
- Watch out for whitening trends – Over-the-counter products can harm enamel. Find out more about supervised whitening with Enlighten at the Wellesley.
Summer should be about making memories – not dental emergencies! With a little planning, you can enjoy your holidays, barbecues, and back-to-school preparations while keeping your smile healthy. If it’s time for your check-up, hygienist appointment, or you’d like to book your child in before the term starts, get in touch, or use our online booking service to make an appointment.
