When we think about summer foods, we may think of savory barbeque flavors. Then, of course, there are the yummy sweets for bonfires and healthy trail mix packs for outdoor adventures. These all sound wonderful, but may not be the most wonderful for your mouth. 

If you can dodge some of these items now and again, your teeth will thank you!

We suggest you enjoy the following in moderation, making sure you brush and floss as soon as possible afterwards…   

Starches

The next time you are at a barbeque and take a nice bite out of a juicy burger, be mindful of the top and bottom holding it in place. Burger buns and other breads contain a lot of starch that, once broken down, turns into sugar. This is a sneaky way for sugar to get between your teeth, potentially leading to a hard-to-reach cavity site.

Similar to enjoying citrus fruits, follow up with a water rinse and maybe consider keeping a pack of floss handy.

Sticky Sweets

A sweet tooth demands satisfaction, which can come at a cost. Like bread, sticky candy can get stuck between the teeth leaving residue on the surface that eats away at the enamel. Without clearing away this sugary residue on the surface and from in between your teeth, you run the risk of suffering tooth decay.  

Beware of other seemingly healthy snacks that pack a secret sugar punch. 

For instance, dried fruit, like the kind commonly found in trail mix. If you tote trail mix along on your next outdoor adventure, you may grab a handful of raisins that end up clinging to the crevices in your mouth.

A good rule of thumb is to enjoy these sweets in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after. If possible, brush and floss right away or, at least, take extra care with your brushing before bedtime. 

Prevention Tactics

• Try to eat these foods during meals to help lessen the effects of sugar on the teeth.
• Follow up with lots of water to keep the mouth hydrated and flush out harmful particles.
• Brush twice a day!
• Floss every day!

Need more advice about smart snacking this summer? 

Check out our blog post, Smart Summertime Snacking for Healthy Teeth, for some quick and easy ideas.

Contact us and be sure to check that your next cleaning is on our calendar!