TL;DR: Summer should be about enjoying cold treats, backyard BBQs, and vacations—not worrying about sharp tooth pain or hiding your smile in photos. Dr. Feldner offers specialized periodontal treatments, from soft-tissue grafting to dental implants, to build a strong, healthy foundation so you can confidently enjoy every moment of the season.
Summer in Nebraska means longer days, weekend cookouts, iced drinks, and family vacations. But if you are living with a compromised dental foundation, summer can quickly become a season of anxiety and discomfort.
Whether it is a sharp zing of pain when drinking an iced tea, the inability to chew corn on the cob, or feeling self-conscious in wedding photos, your periodontal health dictates how much you can truly enjoy the season.
As a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, Dr. Barry Feldner specializes in restoring the foundation of your smile. Here is your blueprint for getting your gums and teeth summer-ready.
1. Conquer the Cold Drink Dilemma
There is nothing better than ice cream or a glass of ice water on a 90-degree day. But if receding gums have exposed your tooth roots, that cold treat can trigger a sharp, shooting pain. This isn’t just an annoyance; it is a structural vulnerability. The Fix: Using advanced soft-tissue grafting, we can pull the gum line back to its natural position, covering the root and stopping the sensitivity at its source. Read our guide on surviving Ice Cream Season here.
2. Pass the Summer BBQ Test
Summer cookouts are notorious for foods that require serious chewing power—steak, ribs, and corn on the cob. Missing teeth or loose, uncomfortable dentures can force you to sit on the sidelines and stick to the potato salad. The Fix: Dental implants act exactly like natural tooth roots. By building a thick “protective turtleneck” of gum tissue around a state-of-the-art implant, we restore your full bite force, allowing you to eat whatever you want with absolute confidence. Learn how implants can help you pass the BBQ test.
3. Achieve Picture-Perfect Confidence
Summer is peak season for weddings, reunions, and vacation photos. If gum recession is making your teeth look unnaturally “long” or aging your smile, it can take a toll on your confidence. The Fix: Periodontal plastic surgery doesn’t just protect your roots from decay; it seamlessly restores the youthful symmetry of your gum line so you can smile wide in every photo. Discover how we rejuvenate aging smiles for wedding season.
4. Smart Summer Scheduling
May and June are actually the smartest times of the year to schedule larger periodontal procedures. If you are a teacher on summer break, a college student home for the season, or a professional with built-up PTO, you can strategically schedule your care to allow for a relaxed, stress-free recovery. Find out why June is the perfect time for your implant procedure.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let oral discomfort dictate your summer plans. If you are ready to build a strong, beautiful foundation for your smile, schedule your comprehensive periodontal evaluation with Dr. Feldner today.
How can a periodontist help me enjoy summer more?
- A periodontist ensures your teeth and gums are structurally sound. By treating issues like gum recession and missing teeth, a periodontist eliminates pain from cold summer drinks and restores your bite strength so you can enjoy tough summer foods like steak and corn on the cob.
Why do my teeth hurt more in the summer?
- Summer tooth pain is often caused by an increase in consuming cold items like ice water, popsicles, and iced coffee. If you have receding gums, the sensitive roots of your teeth are exposed to these extreme temperature changes, causing a sharp pain.
Should I travel overseas for cheaper dental work this summer?
- No. Dental tourism carries severe risks, including sub-standard materials, lack of rigorous infection control, and no access to the doctor for follow-up care or complications. Having procedures performed locally by a Board-Certified Periodontist ensures safety, accountability, and lifelong results. Learn more about the safety standards of the American Board of Periodontology.