Summer is (finally) here, and that means family fun, vacations, adventures and great memories are just around the corner!

At Horner Barrow Orthodontics, we know our patients want to have a sparkling, radiant white smile. Here are a few easy tips for you to remember to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful not just this summer, but all year long!

Try to avoid drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, or dark-colored fruit juices. Not only will drinks such as these soften your tooth enamel, but they will also darken that fabulous smile you’re working on!

Another tip is to continue to focus on brushing your teeth. Sometimes, when busy schedules start filling up, taking the time to brush your teeth really well tends to be less of a priority. A good tip for keeping your mouth safe from the staining we mentioned above, and from other possible pitfalls, is to rinse your mouth with water after any meal when you aren’t able to fully brush your teeth. It sounds like such a simple thing, but your teeth, inside and out, will benefit!

We encourage you and your parents to be more conscious of any possible plans coming up when making your summer appointments with us. If you are planning on taking a vacation this summer, we ask that you let us know ahead of time so that we can schedule your summer appointments around your time away.

If you will be gone for an extended amount of time (six weeks or more), we recommend that you visit our office prior to leaving and schedule another appointment shortly after you return home.

One last important tip. Please remember not to eat any hard, sticky, or chewy treats while enjoying your vacation.

And remember, whether you are headed to a cookout or picnic, a camping trip, amusement park, or just having fun in your own backyard this summer, we want to hear about it. We look forward to seeing you soon and hearing about all your summer adventures!