Summer Smile Tips for Better Dental Health
Summer is more than a season. It's a whole vibe, and that vibe is often defined as much by our snacks and meals as it is by our activities. Whether you're spending those months enjoying backyard barbecues, icy popsicles, sugary funnel cakes, or sticky cotton candy, the flavorful indulgences are intoxicating to our senses, but they can also be damaging to our dental health if you're not cautious.
At Moorestown Dental Professionals, we want you to be able to smile confidently all summer long. Our summer smile tips can help you know how to choose your summer treats wisely and how to make the most of these warm weather months. Keep reading to learn how to make this your "hot smile summer."
Choosing the Right Summer Foods
While you might think that summer snack indulgences are automatically bad for your teeth, that's not always the case. Sure, some foods don't support good dental health, but plenty of summertime faves include tooth-strengthening nutrients and can even keep your teeth cleaner and brighter. Choosing the right foods can make a big difference in your summer smile health.
Some of the best summertime treats include fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are nutrient-rich to support gum health, and they have a high fiber content, which can help mechanically clean teeth. Even better, juicy fruits and veggies, like apples, pears, cucumbers, and grapes, stimulate saliva flow to remineralize teeth and rinse away bacteria and debris.
Cheese is a summer picnic classic, and it's a win for your smile, too! Cheese is high in calcium and phosphorus, which can help strengthen enamel and neutralize oral acids. Enjoy some as a snack or pair it with wine for a romantic evening under the stars. Yogurt is another great summer dairy treat with similar benefits, and you can enjoy it plain or add some berries for added nutrition.
Counteract the summer heat with ample hydration. Your best bet during the summer is plain water. Every cell in your body needs water, and your smile is no different. Water flushes food particles, helps dilute oral acid, and keeps saliva flowing. Add slices of cucumbers or some frozen berries for added flavor.
Proceed with Caution: Enjoy These Treats in Moderation
While plenty of summertime treats are on the "yes!" list, others can be fun but should be enjoyed in moderation. These include:
- Sugary snacks like candy, ice cream, and popsicles, which feed oral bacteria and can erode enamel
- Sports drinks, soft drinks, lemonade, and other sugary drinks, which can bathe your teeth in acidic or sugary liquid and increase the risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay
- Processed snacks and sweet or sticky sauces, which can stick to your teeth
When you indulge in these treats, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to dilute the acids and flush away cavity-causing debris. Wait about 30 minutes after your meal or snack to brush and floss. This gives your saliva a chance to neutralize acids and reduces the risk of damaging vulnerable enamel.
Smiling All Summer Smart
- Stay hydrated! When the mercury rises, water is your body's and your smile's best friend.
- Snack smart. Choose healthy fruits, veggies, low-fat cheese, nuts, and lean protein sources instead of chips, cookies, and other processed snacks.
- Brush and floss twice a day, especially if you're snacking often or indulging frequently in sugary treats.
Schedule a dental checkup. Most people need to schedule a dental cleaning and checkup every six months. The summer is a great time to check in on your dental health!
Call our offices today at (856) 212-0975 to find out more about keeping your smile healthy during the summer and all year long, or visit us online.
