Every August, I notice something familiar and wonderful happening in our Austin community: families are suddenly in motion. Summer is winding down, college students are heading back to campus, and parents are checking off every item on the back-to-school list. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon here at Central Texas OMS, I can tell you that oral health — and particularly wisdom tooth concerns — tends to be top of mind for a lot of families this time of year. It makes perfect sense. August offers a window of time before the academic year gets busy, and many young people in the Austin area are finally ready to address wisdom teeth that have been quietly causing discomfort for months.

Summer heat here in Austin also brings its own oral health considerations worth keeping in mind. Staying well hydrated is genuinely one of the simplest things you can do for your mouth. When we’re dehydrated, saliva production decreases, and saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria and cavities. With temperatures routinely climbing well above 100 degrees this time of year, I encourage everyone to prioritize water over sugary sports drinks and sodas, which can quietly erode enamel over time. If your family is spending a lot of time outdoors — at Barton Springs, Zilker Park, or anywhere else around Austin — make water your go-to companion.

For students heading back to school or off to college, a pre-semester oral health check is something I strongly encourage. Wisdom teeth, in particular, can become a real problem once the school year starts and schedules tighten. Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can lead to infection, crowding, and significant discomfort — and nobody wants to navigate that in the middle of final exams. If your young adult has been putting off a wisdom tooth evaluation, August is truly an ideal time to address it. Recovery is much more manageable when there’s flexibility in the schedule.

Beyond wisdom teeth, I’d also remind families that back-to-school athletes should ask their dentists about custom mouthguards. Sports-related dental injuries are far more common than most people realize, and a properly fitted mouthguard can protect your child’s smile through football season, volleyball, and everything in between. It’s a small investment with lasting impact.

At Central Texas OMS, we are deeply committed to serving the Austin area with compassionate, expert surgical care. Whether you’re a longtime neighbor in the 78756 ZIP code or traveling in from surrounding communities, our team is here to help your family feel informed, at ease, and well cared for. I warmly invite you to contact our office and schedule a consultation — let’s make sure your family heads into the new school year with healthy smiles and one less thing to worry about.