Eating Healthy for Summer Dental Health
Choosing summer foods for dental care may not be foremost on your mind. However, with warmer weather, you may be getting out more, going on vacation and eating away from home. Even though you might be living it up, it is wise to keep in mind which foods help and harm dental health.
What food you eat and how frequently can affect your dental and overall health.
Foods to Avoid
- Soft drinks. Drink sodas sparingly and choose water whenever possible. While a carbonated soda may taste refreshing, the high sugar and acid content is bad for your teeth. These substances are erosive to tooth enamel and can increase the chance of developing cavities.
- Citrus fruits. Lemons, peaches and other citrus fruits contain acid that is erosive. They can also increase tooth sensitivity.
- Alcohol. People tend to drink more alcoholic beverages in the summer. Drinking in moderation is vital. For one thing, alcohol tends to create dehydration. Dehydration affects saliva production in your mouth. Saliva is instrumental for keeping teeth clean and fighting harmful bacteria.
- Ice cream and sweets. Soft candies, jelly beans, chocolate and syrups have high sugar content. Sugar can stick to the recesses between your teeth. And, brushing your teeth doesn’t always get rid of the sticky sugar. The same thing happens with ice cream.
- Green tea. Moderation is the key here because the tannins in green tea can stain your teeth. Tea can also be dehydrating and cause dry mouth. Be sure to drink plenty of water if you drink green tea.
We Can Answer Your Questions About Summer Foods for Dental Care
If you have concerns about providing your family with healthy summer foods or run into dental problems, give us a call. Our number is (512) 806-7740. At Hutto Hippo Family Dental we’re also glad to answer any questions you may have.
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