Living in Huntington Beach means endless sunny days, salty ocean breezes, and miles of golden sand. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a lifestyle built around the beach. But while you’re catching waves or relaxing by the pier, your teeth, gums, and lips are exposed to unique challenges.
Here’s how sun, sand, and saltwater impact your oral health—and what you can do to keep your smile bright and healthy all year long.
Sun: UV Rays and Your Smile
The Risks
- Lip Sunburn: Your lips are highly sensitive and lack the natural protection of melanin found in skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to painful burns and increase the risk of lip cancer.
- Gum Tissue Damage: UV rays can also affect the delicate tissues in your mouth if you spend hours outdoors without protection.
- Dry Mouth: Heat and sun exposure often lead to dehydration, which reduces saliva. Saliva is crucial for washing away bacteria and neutralizing acids that cause tooth decay.
Tips to Protect Your Smile
- Apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or eating.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or surf cap to shade your face.
- Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time on the beach to stay hydrated and maintain saliva flow.
Sand: The Hidden Grit You Might Not Notice
The Risks
- Accidental Grit in the Mouth: Sand can sneak into snacks, drinks, or even be carried by the wind. Accidentally chewing on grit can wear down enamel over time.
- Irritation to Gums and Soft Tissue: Fine sand particles can irritate gum tissue or cause minor abrasions, especially if you’re already prone to sensitive gums.
Tips to Protect Your Smile
- Keep drinks and snacks covered or sealed to prevent sand from blowing in.
- If sand gets in your mouth, rinse with fresh water as soon as possible.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings to remove any plaque buildup and keep enamel strong.
Saltwater: Benefits and Potential Downsides
The Benefits
- Natural Antibacterial Properties: Saltwater can help reduce bacteria and soothe minor gum irritation. It’s the same reason dentists often recommend warm saltwater rinses after certain procedures.
- Reduced Inflammation: Gentle exposure can help calm mild gum inflammation or sores.
Potential Downsides
- Drying Effect: Too much salt exposure can dehydrate tissues and contribute to dry mouth.
- Enamel Erosion Over Time: While occasional ocean swims aren’t harmful, frequent exposure without rinsing can allow trace minerals and acids to linger on enamel.
Tips to Protect Your Smile
- After a surf session or swim, rinse with fresh water or swish with a fluoride mouth rinse.
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and counteract any dryness.
- Don’t skip your six-month dental checkups so your dentist can monitor enamel health.
Extra Considerations for Active Beachgoers
- Sports Drinks & Beach Snacks: Sugary drinks and sticky snacks like dried fruit or energy bars can erode enamel and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Choose water or coconut water and tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, nuts, and fresh fruit.
- Surfing & Water Sports: Sudden board impacts can chip or crack teeth. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers the best protection.
- Nighttime Teeth Grinding: After a long day in the sun, some people grind their teeth while sleeping. If you notice jaw soreness, ask your dentist about a night guard.
Make Dental Care Part of Your Beach Routine
Just like sunscreen and hydration, oral care should be part of your daily beach plan:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
- Schedule professional cleanings every six months—more often if you’re a frequent surfer or swimmer.
- Mention any sensitivity, dry mouth, or changes in your gums at your next appointment.
Your Huntington Beach Dental Team
At Beachside Dental Group, we love the Surf City lifestyle and understand the unique oral health needs of beach lovers. From custom mouthguards for surfers to preventive cleanings and cosmetic treatments, we’ll help you keep your smile healthy and photo-ready all year long.
Schedule Your Next Checkup
Before your next beach day, make sure your smile is protected. Call (714) 842-6151 or request an appointment online to schedule your dental exam and cleaning.
With the right care, you can enjoy the sun, sand, and saltwater while keeping your smile as bright as the Huntington Beach horizon.