How Your Summer Eating Habits and Diet May Be Affecting Your Teeth
Summer Smile Health: What You Need to Know
As the mercury rises, you’re likely looking for ways to stay cool. Whether that means neighborhood barbecues or lounging poolside with a frosty drink, fun in the sun is the name of the game. All those treats can take a toll on our smiles this time of year, however. At Grapevine Dental, we can help you keep your smile as bright as the sun shining overhead. Here’s what you need to know to keep your dental health on track.
Summer Smile Slowdowns: Snack with Caution
Sweet popsicles, luscious ice cream cones, and hot barbecue right off the grill: what’s not to love? Well, when it comes to your teeth, unfortunately, many of these summertime faves can leave traces long after the temperatures and leaves have dropped. That doesn’t mean you need to skip your favorite snacks. However, you do need to limit your intake of some of them, including:
- Ice cream and similar frozen treats: Frozen sweets might be summer staples, but they are high in sugar, which feeds cavity-causing bacteria. These bacteria churn out acidic byproducts that erode the enamel. After enjoying a sweet treat, rinse thoroughly with water to dilute the acid and brush about 30 minutes later to remove any remaining debris.
- Sweet drinks: Sports drinks are great for fast rehydrating during hot spells, but they tend to be high in sugar and highly acidic. Sports drinks, along with soft drinks, lemonade, and other sugary drinks, can contribute to enamel erosion and tooth decay, especially if you’re sipping all day. Minimize contact by using straws and choosing water more frequently.
- Sticky snacks: You might think of barbecue sauces as savory, but honey, brown sugar, and other common ingredients add just the right hint of sweetness. Unfortunately, they can also stick to your teeth long after the coals have cooled. Whether you’ve had ribs or burgers, protect your teeth by rinsing with water after and then brushing about 30 minutes after eating.
Summer Lovin’: Guilt-Free Snacks
Not all summer foods are bad for your teeth. Some you can enjoy all season long without risking your smile.
Produce
Head out into the garden or farmer’s market to stock up on crunchy fruits and veggies. Fresh produce, such as apples, celery, cucumbers, pears, carrots, and grapes, is always a great choice. The fibrous nature of fruit and veggies helps clean your teeth as you crunch, while the juiciness stimulates saliva flow, which can rinse away plaque and bacteria while neutralizing acid.
Watermelon
Head off that heat wave with a big slice of ruby-red watermelon! Watermelon is high in water and stimulates saliva flow, which keeps your mouth healthy and hydrated. Cantaloupe and honeydew melons are also great choices.
Dairy
Dairy products can be one of your best summertime snacking options. Cheese and yogurt are easy, grabbable snacks that can go anywhere, and they’re high in calcium and phosphates, which can strengthen dental enamel and keep your oral pH levels balanced.
Summer Smile Tips
- Hydrate: When the heat soars, your body needs more water than ever to stay cool. Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. Add ice to keep it cool, if you prefer, but do not chew or bite the ice, which can crack or otherwise damage your teeth.
- Snack smart: When hungry, grab healthy snacks on the go, like cheese, nuts, or fresh fruit and veggies rather than chips, cookies, and packaged or processed snacks.
- Brush and floss: Twice daily brushing and daily flossing keep your teeth clean and free of cavity-causing plaque and bacteria. Schedule a professional cleaning every six months or as your dentist recommends to catch dental problems at their earliest, most treatable stages.
Make your summer smile a top priority, and schedule a dental checkup as part of your back-to-school to-do list. Call us at (817) 668-6333 or visit us online to book an appointment.
