Summertime is finally here—get ready for lots of poolside fun and sunny days filled with adventure! But while you’re out enjoying yourself, something to keep in mind is your oral health! There are quite a few summertime activities that are harmful to your smile, and there’s nothing like a trip to your dentist to derail your plans! Here are some of the activities and items you should be mindful of this summer if you want to preserve and protect your beautiful smile.

When it comes to keeping your mouth sparkling clean and healthy, regular oral hygiene is essential—and this includes brushing your teeth twice a day! But what are you supposed to do after you’ve finished brushing and all that excess toothpaste is still swirling around your mouth; are you supposed to rinse your mouth out with water or just leave it be? Here’s everything you need to know about rinsing your mouth after brushing, and why you might want to re-evaluate your own habit.