By the team at Marina Dentistry, Marina del Rey, CA
Summer in Marina del Rey is made for paddleboarding at Mother’s Beach, cycling the Venice boardwalk, and late-day sailing on the harbor. But while long days near the water feed the soul, they can be surprisingly harsh on your smile. Sun, sand, and saltwater create conditions that dry the mouth, weaken tooth enamel, and stain teeth faster than you might expect.
Here’s a dentist-approved plan to enjoy everything our coastline offers—without sacrificing your bright, healthy smile.
How Sun, Sand & Saltwater Affect Your Teeth
“People think of sunscreen for their skin but forget that teeth, lips, and gums face the same summer elements,” explains Dr. Sameer Aljanedi, implant and cosmetic dentist at Marina Dentistry.
UV Exposure and Oral Tissues
Your lips and gum tissue can burn just like your skin. Repeated UV exposure may lead to dry, cracked lips and—in rare cases—precancerous changes.
Saltwater’s Hidden Effect
Ocean water is slightly alkaline (pH 7.5–8.4) and packed with salt. After a long swim, that salt draws moisture out of oral tissues and can temporarily lower your natural saliva flow, the mouth’s primary defense against cavities. A drier mouth allows acids from foods and drinks to stay in contact with tooth enamel longer, raising the risk of enamel demineralization.
Wind & Sand
Fine sand particles carried by the breeze can settle onto snacks or drinks. Chewing even tiny grit can cause micro-abrasions on enamel, making teeth more prone to staining.
1. Guard Against UV Damage
- SPF 30+ lip balm – Reapply every two hours and after swimming to protect lips and the delicate tissue around your mouth.
- Wide-brim hat & shade – Simple protection that lowers UV exposure to lips and facial skin.
- Stay hydrated – High temperatures speed fluid loss; drinking water keeps saliva production strong and enamel protected.
2. Rinse Away Saltwater Residue
- Fresh-water rinse – After a swim, swish with bottled or tap water to wash away salt and sand.
- Fluoride mouth rinse – A fluoride rinse (available over the counter) can help remineralize enamel and neutralize pH.
- Delay brushing 30 minutes – Enamel softened by acids or salt needs time to reharden; brushing too soon can cause abrasion.
3. Choose Beach Snacks that Love Your Smile
Skip sugary sodas, lemonade, and sticky energy bars that combine sugar and acid. Instead:
- Crisp vegetables and cheese – Celery, carrots, and cubes of cheddar provide a natural scrubbing action and calcium.
- Hydrating fruit – Watermelon and apples help rinse teeth and stimulate saliva.
- Water or unsweetened iced tea – Keeps you cool without bathing enamel in sugar.
4. Keep Sand Out of Your Mouth
- Cover food and drinks with lids or reusable wraps.
- If you bite into grit, gently rinse with water and wait before brushing so you don’t scratch enamel.
- Pack a small travel bottle of mouth rinse in your beach bag for quick cleanups.
5. Brighten and Protect After Summer
Even with great habits, sun and surf can leave teeth looking dull.
- Professional teeth cleaning – Twice-yearly cleanings at Marina Dentistry remove mineral deposits and surface stains.
- Teeth whitening options – Ask about our in-office and take-home whitening systems for a safe, dramatic boost.
- Fluoride or remineralizing treatments – Strengthen enamel and help reverse early signs of erosion.
“A quick post-summer cleaning and fluoride treatment can undo a lot of the microscopic wear we see after months of salt and sun,” says Dr. Aljanedi.
6. Schedule a Mid-Summer Checkup
If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, now is the perfect time to schedule a checkup. Early detection of enamel erosion or gum irritation can prevent long-term problems and keep your smile vacation-ready year-round.
Call Marina Dentistry at (310) 578-5000 or request an appointment online to book your summer dental visit.
Local’s Quick Checklist for a Beach-Day Smile
- ✔ Pack SPF 30+ lip balm and reapply often
- ✔ Drink plain water before, during, and after beach time
- ✔ Rinse with fresh water after swimming—wait 30 minutes before brushing
- ✔ Cover food and drinks to keep sand out
- ✔ Book a professional cleaning before the end of summer
Frequently Asked Questions (For FAQ Schema)
Does saltwater whiten teeth naturally?
No. While ocean water can rinse debris, it does not whiten enamel and may dry your mouth, which can actually promote staining.
How soon should I brush after a day at the beach?
Wait about 30 minutes after your last exposure to saltwater or acidic foods to allow enamel to re-harden.
Can the sun damage my gums?
Yes. UV radiation can burn gum tissue and lips, so use SPF lip balm and seek shade.
The Bottom Line
Marina del Rey’s beaches are an incredible place to spend the summer. By understanding how sun, sand, and saltwater affect enamel, and following a few simple steps—rinsing, hydrating, protecting, and scheduling regular checkups—you can keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright from the first beach day to the last sunset sail.
