Fortunately, telehealth services are ideal for some common issues people face during the summer. So, if you plan to have a busy summer, here are some reasons to keep a telehealth provider on speed dial this summer.

1.      Find the support to manage insect bites and allergies

Summer is when most people love exploring the great outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, cycling and swimming are activities that allow you to experience the best that the season has to offer.

The downside to being in nature is that it can result in insect bites and other forms of irritation. Being in nature can also trigger allergies and resultant discomfort.

Avoid bug bites by wearing protective clothing such as long pants and sleeves and using insect repellants. As for allergies, if you experience allergic reactions resulting in fatigue, hives, itching, rashes, sneezing, or runny nose, call your virtual healthcare provider for assistance. If you experience a life-threatening allergic reaction, visit the emergency room or call 911.

2.      Receive prompt attention for minor injuries and illnesses

From water skiing thrills to showing off your diving skills, summer truly is the time to be physically active and adventurous. But summer activities can sometimes come with the risk of minor injuries such as strained muscles, bruises, sprains, or cuts.

If you experience an injury that is severe enough to require medical attention but isn’t life-threatening, contact your telehealth provider for advice on how to care for it. You can get information on when it is safe to resume activity and, if necessary, be prescribed medication.

3.      Get virtual medical attention for sunburns

Playing sports in the sun, lounging by the pool, or even doing yardwork can result in a painful sunburn. While the best course of action is to avoid prolonged sun exposure, this may not be a realistic solution for everyone.

To protect yourself from sunburn, use sun-protective clothing and hats and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more to all exposed areas of your skin. You may need more sunscreen than you think and it’s important to reapply!

If you end up with a sunburn, use over-the-counter remedies such as aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream to relieve the pain and itching. In extreme cases of sunburn, contact your telehealth provider for advice on how to best care for your skin.

The bottom line

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself this summer, but it’s a good idea to take appropriate precautions and stay safe when dealing with allergies, minor injuries and sunburn.

Keep your telehealth provider on speed dial so you can get quick and easy medical support whenever you need it, no matter where you are.

Brush thoroughly

Brushing is the base upon which your oral care is built. It is a fundamental part of oral hygiene and should not be taken lightly. This is especially true with aligners, which cover your teeth for up to 22 hours per day and can act as a haven for bacteria and debris.

Try to brush after every meal and snack to make sure food particles don’t get trapped between your teeth and the aligners. Brush for at least two minutes. A good trick is to divide the mouth into quadrants, allowing 30 seconds for each area. Brush the back and front of your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay close attention to your gum line. Plaque loves to proliferate in the nooks and crannies of your gums, and proper care for the gum line can stave off gum disease.

Floss daily

Even the best toothbrushes don’t get everything. Flossing daily is a key aspect of good oral hygiene. Use dental floss to slide between the teeth and dig lightly into the gums to get all the gunk possible out of the crevices. Hug the floss around each tooth and move up and down.

You can also use interdental brushes or floss picks to get even deeper into the teeth and gums for a more comprehensive cleaning experience. Finish it off with a water flosser, which shoots pressurized water between the teeth and gums, and you’ll be right as rain. 

Rinse your mouth

Consider rinsing your mouth after any food or non-water beverage. This will help remove any lingering particles and make brushing and flossing less of a hassle later on. Use water or mouthwash for a temporary cleaning. Rinse your aligners before putting them back in your mouth.

Avoid certain food and drink

Oral care doesn’t only include your routine in the bathroom. It also encompasses what you do with your daily living routine. Hard, sticky and chewy foods can linger on the teeth and harm the aligners when you put them back in. Coffee, tea, red wine and soda can stain both the teeth and the aligners, making them more visible in your mouth. Talk to your orthodontist about sticking to a diet aimed at good oral health. Such a diet may focus on soft, healthy foods and fewer staining beverages.

Clean your aligners

The importance of properly cleaning your aligners cannot be overstated. Think about it this way: would you put a dirty piece of plastic in your mouth in any other situation? Maintaining a clean aligner will keep your mouth healthy and clean and make the results worth what clear aligners cost.

Water, soap and toothpaste are a good basic start, but more is needed to give the aligners the deep cleaning they need. Talk to your orthodontist or do some research to determine which aligner cleaning products are the best options. Pay close attention to how these cleaning solutions could impact your aligners’ material.

Follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan

At the end of the day, your orthodontist knows best. When getting fitted for aligners, discuss a comprehensive treatment plan focusing on keeping your oral care in optimal shape. Follow the plan as closely as possible. Don’t be your own worst enemy! Listen to the professional and do everything they say.

Bottom line

Oral care is important for everyone, but even more so for people with aligners. The plastic sits in your mouth for up to 22 hours per day and represents a breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. Brush with intention twice daily, floss every day, eat properly and clean your retainer in accordance with best practices. Be open and transparent with your orthodontist, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. These steps will help you keep your smile looking radiant.