4 Summer Activities That Could Be Harmful to Your Smile

Summer is full of fun activities, vacations, sports, and sweet treats. While the season brings plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy yourself, some popular summer habits can put your oral health at risk. From sports injuries to sugary snacks, certain activities may increase the chances of dental damage if you’re not careful.

Here are 4 summer activities that could be harmful to your smile and how to protect your teeth while still enjoying the season.

1. Playing Sports Without a Mouthguard

Summer sports like baseball, basketball, skateboarding, biking, and swimming are great ways to stay active, but they can also increase the risk of dental injuries.

Falls, collisions, or stray equipment can lead to chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth. Dental emergencies are especially common during contact sports and recreational activities.

Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from injury. Custom mouthguards provided by a dentist often offer better comfort and protection than store-bought versions.

Protecting your teeth during sports can help prevent painful injuries and costly dental treatment later.

2. Constant Snacking on Sugary Summer Treats

Ice cream, popsicles, lemonade, and other sweet summer snacks are hard to resist. Unfortunately, sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria that contribute to tooth decay.

Frequent snacking throughout the day exposes your teeth to repeated acid attacks, increasing cavity risk.

Sticky candies and frozen treats can also cling to teeth longer, allowing sugar to remain on the enamel for extended periods.

You don’t have to completely avoid summer treats, but moderation and proper oral hygiene are important. Drinking water and brushing regularly can help reduce harmful bacteria and acids.

3. Swimming in Poorly Balanced Pools

Most people don’t realize that frequent swimming in improperly maintained pools may affect dental health. Pool water with incorrect chemical balance—especially overly acidic water—can gradually wear down tooth enamel over time.

Competitive swimmers or people who spend many hours in pools may be more likely to experience enamel erosion if pool chemistry is not properly monitored.

Weakened enamel can increase sensitivity and make teeth more vulnerable to staining and decay.

If you swim frequently, maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups can help monitor enamel health.

4. Using Teeth as Tools During Outdoor Activities

Summer activities often involve opening snack bags, untangling fishing line, removing bottle caps, or holding objects with your teeth. While it may seem harmless in the moment, using your teeth as tools can easily lead to chips, cracks, or broken restorations.

Teeth are designed for chewing food, not opening packages or gripping hard objects.

A cracked tooth can sometimes require treatment such as bonding, crowns, or even root canal therapy if the damage reaches the inner tooth structure.

Summer should be a time for fun, not dental problems. By wearing a mouthguard, limiting sugary snacks, protecting your enamel, and avoiding risky habits, you can help keep your smile healthy all season long.

About the Author

Dr. Alex R. Goodman has owned his own dental practice for more than a decade now! He earned his dental doctorate at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry after earning a bachelor’s degree in science from Samford University. He’s a past president of the 6^th district of the Tennessee Dental Association and is currently a member of the Millenium Study Club, which helps him keep his skills sharp. If you need preventive care for your smile, Dr. Goodman and his team at Goodman Family Dentistry can help! Book online or call (931) 388-4315.