Whether you are at a family barbecue or looking for a way to cool down, there will be a variety of popular snacks and refreshments that you will see more often as temperatures rise.
Unfortunately, some of these snacks can be harmful to your teeth, so when picking your snacks this summer, try to minimize how often you consume these:
Ice cream, Sorbet, Sherbet, Fro-yo, and Gelato.
All of these frozen treats are high in sugar, which contributes to tooth decay. Even sorbet, which is a fruit-based dessert, has a high sugar content.
Soda.
Soda is another tooth decay culprit with its high sugar content and high acidity. Even diet soda, which uses artificial sweeteners, is still acidic due to carbonation and can cause decay.
Popsicles.
Although lower in sugar than a serving of ice cream, you expose your teeth to the syrupy sugar in popsicles for long durations while eating them.
Lemonade.
Citrusy beverages like lemonade are very refreshing on a hot day, but they are also high in citric acid, which can wear away enamel. Many lemonades are sweetened as well, so sipping on this drink will expose your teeth to sugar and acid.
Starchy snacks.
Summer is the time of barbecues, and many barbecues are filled with starchy, crunchy snacks to compliment what is on the grill. The carbs in foods like potato chips and pretzels turn into sugars that can stick to your teeth and cause decay.
Fruit Infused Water.
Fruit infused water is a fun, natural way to spruce up your water, and it can be refreshing on a hot day.
However, infusing water with fruits – especially citrus fruits – can be tough on your dental enamel if you are drinking a lot throughout the day. While a good alternative to sugary drinks, infused water should not be your main source of hydration.
Please contact us if you have any questions about sugars effect on your oral health.