How Your Summer Eating Habits and Diet May Be Affecting Your Teeth

Summer Eating Habits That Could Be Sabotaging Your Oral Health

Summer is a time for picnics, parties, and sweet treats on warm nights. While everyone deserves to indulge a little during summer, the truth is that some fun and flavorful summertime favorites can actually be bad for your teeth. Being mindful can make a big difference. That's why the team at Helfner Dental Associates wants to share some quick tips for putting your oral health first this summer.

Did You Know That These Popular Summer Foods Are Actually Good for Your Teeth?

Not all summertime favorites are harmful to your teeth. Here's a list of the best foods to stick to this summer:

• Fresh, Crunchy Fruits and Veggies: Crisp apples, carrots, celery, and cucumbers act like "nature's toothbrushes" by helping to clean teeth, stimulate saliva production, and wash away bacteria.
• Cheese and Yogurt: Yummy cheeses and yogurts are full of calcium and phosphates that are great for teeth enamel. Bonus points for the way these foods also balance the pH of your mouth.
• Watermelon: Everyone's favorite summertime fruit is actually great for your teeth because it has a high water content that promotes saliva production.

Summer Treats That Aren't That Great for Teeth

Some treats are best enjoyed in moderation when it comes to your oral health. Here's a look at the snacks that can promote plaque bacteria and cavities if we're not careful:

• Sugary Beverages: Sports drinks and sodas are full of sugars that can cause tooth decay. Even sweet tea and lemonade contain large amounts of sugar and acid that can erode enamel.
• BBQ Sauce: While considered savory, BBQ sauces often contain lots of sugar. What's more, the sticky nature of BBQ sauce can cause it to stick to teeth far longer than other foods.
• Ice Cream, Italian Ice, and Pops: While refreshing and enjoyable, these treats do contain sugar that can harm teeth when consumed excessively. An extra tip is to rinse your mouth after eating these foods to stop sugar from clinging to teeth.

Our Favorite Summer Snacking Tips for Healthy Teeth

At our office, we always appreciate a great balance of fun and sticking to a good routine in the summer. These tips will go far if you want to prioritize your smile:

• Do reach for cheese, nuts, and fruits for snacks.
• Don't reach for chips and cookies for daily snacks.
• Do hydrate by drinking plenty of fresh water daily to promote saliva production in the heat.
• Do continue to brush and floss twice daily.
• Don't risk cracking a tooth by chewing ice to cool down.
• Do remember to schedule a summer cleaning that will keep you one step ahead of cavities and decay.

Summer gives us all plenty of reasons to smile. Make sure you can keep loving your smile season after season by being smart about summertime snacking and oral care. Right now is a great time to schedule a cleaning before the busy fall schedule and back-to-school season kicks in. Our office is happy to help you! Just call (631) 247-0977 or schedule an appointment online today.