How Your Summer Eating Habits and Diet May Be Affecting Your Teeth
Explore These Simple Tips for Keeping Your Summer Diet From Harming Your Teeth
Do you love sipping on sweet tea on hot summer days? If so, there’s nothing wrong with having an iced coffee or your favorite sports drink. But, it’s important to be careful about when and how you consume summer treats.
At Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Midland Park, you’ll find that our dentists love ice cream and BBQ as much as everyone. We also like knowing that we can help you maintain a beautiful smile all year long. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how you can enjoy your favorite summer treats and stay cavity-free.
Enjoy These Summer Foods for a Teeth-friendly Treat
We think you’ll be excited to hear that many delicious seasonal favorites are actually beneficial for your smile. Try these ideas for your next summer cookout:
- Crunchy Veggies and Fruits: Summer produce can help naturally clean your teeth and stimulate saliva production that washes away bacteria.
- Choose Yogurt and Cheese: Everyone loves these treats, and your teeth benefit from the calcium and phosphorus dairy products contain, which helps build strong enamel. Bonus tip: These are low in sugar to help even out your mouth’s pH level.
- Hydrate Happily With Water and Watermelon: Staying hydrated is important! Watermelon has lots of water, and eating some sweet melon can help promote good saliva flow. Drinking water also helps to flush food particles from your mouth.
Make These Summer Staples Occasional Treats
These summer treats are hard to skip. But, you can help your smile by eating them in moderation.
- Ice Cream Cones and Sweet Snacks: A frozen treat or fresh-baked cookie might be impossible to skip. If you happen to grab a snow cone, just rinse with water after you’re done.
- Syrupy Sodas and Sweet Sports Beverages: Lemonade, sports drinks and cola are all popular summer drinks that help you stay cool. We recommend drinking them all at once rather than sipping throughout the day. Following up your indulgence with a big drink of water also helps to prevent enamel erosion and cavities.
- Sweet and Sticky Sauces: Your grandpa’s delicious BBQ sauce might be a family secret, but it can also cling to your tooth enamel long after you've had your delicious first bite. Keep some water at your side to rinse it down. Then, brush your teeth as soon as you can.
Follow These Strategies for a Beautiful Smile All Summer Long
Maintaining a summer-friendly smile isn’t hard, and you can use these tips to jumpstart your dental care routine.
- Choose Healthy Snacks: Cheese, nuts, and fruits are perfect for quick snacks.
- Hydrate Throughout the Day: Water is best for keeping you cool.
- Remember to Brush and Floss: Set an alarm to remind you to do your oral hygiene routine.
- Resist the Urge to Chew Ice: Enjoy letting ice cool your beverage, but don’t chomp.
- Schedule a Teeth Cleaning: You’ll feel better enjoying summer treats with clean teeth.
Summertime diets can have a big impact on your overall oral health. Remember that you can ask us any questions you may have about which foods are best for your teeth this season when you come in for your dental exam. We also recommend refreshing your smile before the summer ends. Visit us online or give our team a call at (201) 972-6846 to schedule your next appointment.
