A day at the amusement park

Roller coasters, carnival snacks, and laughter-filled moments make amusement parks the ultimate summer destination. But in between the thrills, it can be easy to forget about protecting your oral and overall health from sugary treats, the blazing sun, and other risks.

Don’t worry, though — with a little preparation, you can enjoy every twist, turn, and loop while keeping your teeth, gums, and eyes safe from harm.

Know the risks before you ride

To keep your smile (and yourself) healthy and comfortable at the park, consider what risks you might encounter.

Sweet, sticky foods

Cotton candy, ice cream, kettle corn — these sugary treats are delicious, but they can stick to your teeth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Acidic, sugary drinks

Lemonade, soda, and slushies can weaken enamel and cause sensitivity.

Hot temperatures

Long hours outdoors and physical activity can reduce saliva production and contribute to dry mouth.

UV exposure

A day spent in bright sunlight and heat can cause sunburn, pain or irritation in your eyes, and short-term blurry vision.

Large crowds

When everyone is running around having fun, it can be easy to lose track of your friends or family, or to accidentally bump into others.

Smart ways to shield your smile

A little planning goes a long way toward keeping your smile and vision safe at the amusement park.

Here’s how to stay protected:

Pack healthy snacks like apples (which help you produce saliva and clean your mouth) or carrot sticks.
Drink plenty of water instead of soda or juice to stay hydrated and support saliva production.
Every two hours, apply sunscreen and lip balm with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin and lips from harmful UV rays.
Wear sunglasses with UV lenses to prevent eye strain and vision damage.
Make a plan in case you get lost so that you and your friends or family can find each other.