Summer is here! We all know what that means – warm sun, cabins, time at the lake, and outdoor get-togethers. Sweet treats like ice cream and smoothies are cool and refreshing – but piling on those sugary snacks can sneak up on you and wreak havoc on your teeth. To maintain a healthy smile all summer long, follow these tips to keep up your oral health:
Watch Out for Sugar:
You don’t have to ditch all of your favorite summer treats, but it’s important to be mindful about sugar intake. If you do choose to indulge in some sweet summer snacks, make sure to brush your teeth as soon as you can afterward. And if you won’t be by your toothbrush for a while? The dentists at Dakota Dental suggest that even swishing a mouthful of water can help reduce the amount of sugar that stays on your teeth.
Healthy Teeth Foods:
In addition to keeping your sugar intake in check, make sure to include teeth-friendly foods into your summer staples. Cheese can help reduce the acids in your mouth and is also high in calcium and in casein, a protein that helps fortify the surface of teeth.
Farmers markets are full of teeth-friendly food options. Celery and other fresh, raw vegetables require a lot of chewing – and a lot of chewing creates saliva, which helps clean teeth and breaks down food. The fibers in raw veggies also naturally scrub your teeth too. So make sure to load up on veggies at cookouts to let carrots, celery, and radishes do the cleaning for you!
Drink Your Water:
And don’t forget water! Not only does it keep you hydrated on hot summer days, but water is a kinder option on your teeth than sugar-loaded, staining iced teas and sodas. If you have one of those drinks, make sure to follow it up with a glass of water to quench your thirst and keep you going back for sugary seconds. It will also help rinse away some of those harmful sugars from staying on your teeth.
Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to come at the expense of your summer treats. With some simple preventative dental care precautions, you can still enjoy summer staples in moderation. The family dentists at Dakota Dental are happy to give patients advice on the importance of dental health. To keep up your perfect smile all summer long, contact Dakota Dental today to schedule your next checkup!