Being in Florida, we technically have plenty of before "summer" comes to an end, but with Labor Day just around the corner, here are some dental needs you may want to consider before the holidays approach, or before you get too busy!

Here are five dental needs you can easily take care of before the season ends:

#1 – Orthodontics – You may want to start orthodontic treatment to get that gorgeous smile in time for your holiday photos this year! With clear aligners options, you won’t have to make any changes to your diet or your oral hygiene routine and appearance, for that matter! Start now, and you could have a straight smile next time the holiday season comes around!

#2 – An Athletic Mouthguard – Do you have a child who participates in a fall sport? Give them superior protection against dental injuries with a custom-made mouthguard that fits them perfectly. We can make sure their teeth and gums are safe and that they can breathe and communicate easily during the game.

#3 – Teeth Whitening – The social calendar will fill up quickly in about a month or so with fall-related events and activities, and a great way to spruce up your smile and give your ego a boost is to whiten your teeth! It’s quick, safe, affordable, and unlike store-brand whitening kits and products, it works every single time.

#4 – Prevention – From Halloween until New Year’s Day, your family will face an entire season of sweet temptations that taste great, but unfortunately, spell trouble for your teeth. Along with your own oral care at home and a healthy diet, your Dunedin dentist can help you prevent tooth decay and cavities with preventive treatments like fluoride protection and dental sealants. These are quick, easy, and painless, and your teeth will be stronger and better able to fight off harmful bacteria for a season of healthy smiling.

#5 – TMJ Treatment – Maybe you’ve been too relaxed this summer to notice, but a common habit brought on by stress is teeth grinding, and is something many people do without even realizing it. Grinding your teeth puts them at risk for wear and tear, and it can also create issues with your jaw alignment or aggravate problems with your jaw joint that already existed. Dr. Coccaro can create a custom oral appliance that prevents grinding and clenching of your jaw and teeth to give you time to heal naturally and relieve the painful symptoms that come with TMJ disorders.

Don’t let the "summer" end without taking care of your smile!