Dentist near Oak Park, IL Shares Harmful Summer Foods for Teeth
It’s finally summer time and that means that it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather, longer days and cool summer breezes. And, for many of us, it’s this time of year that we indulge in our favorite seasonal treats such as popsicles, ice cream and other shaved ice treats. After all, who doesn’t enjoy an ice cream cone while sitting on the patio after a delicious barbequed meal?
Still, it’s important to know that many of our favorite summer foods are loaded with sugar and can be hard on our teeth. The good news is that there are still many delectable alternatives that will allow you to enjoy a tasty treat, without causing any harm to your teeth.
Continue reading to see what some of the worst summer foods are that will harm your oral health.
Shaved Ice and Popsicles
During the summer months, many of us love to enjoy an ice-cold treat such as a shaved ice treat or a popsicle. And, for good reasons. These types of icy treats can be a great way to cool off and are an excellent way to help beat the heat during the hotter months of the year.
Still, it’s important to remember that these treats are loaded with sugar, which can have a detrimental effect on your oral health, as well as your overall physical health. The sugar present in these snacks can lead to tooth erosion, decay and other complications when consumed in excess.
The good news is that there are several companies that are starting to offer the same sweet treats, without any added sugars. As an alternative, many of these sugar-free snacks are sweetened with real fruit juices making them a much healthier alternative for your oral health.
Other High-Sugar Foods
It’s no secret that one of the best things to do for your oral health is to eliminate sugary snacks and foods from your diet. Always keep in mind that many of your favorite summer snacks are packed with sugar and although you don’t have to completely give them up, it’s a good idea to try and limit how much you consume. Things such as sports drinks and soda, although refreshing, contain high amount of sugar and wreak havoc on the inside of your mouth by producing acids that wear away at the protective enamel of your teeth.
A much healthier alternative to these types of drinks is to stick to plain bottled or tap water. Water is much better for your teeth, and your overall health, and provides you with hydration to get you through those sweltering hot summer days. Furthermore, tap water contains fluoride which helps to reinforce and protect your teeth from decay.
So, while the weather is warming up and you might be tempted to grab that ice cream cone to help cool yourself off, it might be best to think twice about its sugar content. Instead of eating high-sugar foods such as ice cream or popsicles, why not grab a nice big slice of juicy watermelon instead?
Have questions for your leading dentist near Oak Park, IL? Call New England Dental Group today at (773) 237-1608.
