When it’s hot outside, nothing beats the heat like a cold, sweet drink or treat. Unfortunately, your favorite seasonal beverage or dessert may be changing your smile, one sip or lick at a time.
Obviously, the sugar in these drinks is harmful to your teeth.
However, the American Dental Association also warns that “consumption of acidic snacks/sweets or natural acidic fruit juice may also increase risk for erosive tooth wear.” Once the acids in these drinks and snacks strip away the minerals in your teeth, your protective enamel is compromised, leaving your teeth vulnerable to decay.
Here’s what you should know about how your summer-time favorites are damaging your teeth.
Soda
Soda is the ultimate heavyweight of dental damage. The high levels of phosphoric acid and citric acid in regular and diet soda erode the protective enamel on your teeth with each sip.
Iced Coffee
The danger in iced coffee is primarily in how it is consumed. Even though it is a cooler drink than traditional hot coffee, most people drink it just as slowly, sipping on it over the course of an hour or more. This bathes your teeth in sugar and acid, leaving them susceptible to decay and staining.
Sweet and Iced Tea
If you have a favorite porcelain tea cup, you probably have noticed that drinking tea from it regularly stains it. This is because most teas contain tannins, a natural plant compound that causes staining. This compound can also stain your teeth. Coupled with sugar, teas can start causing irreversible damage that can cause cavities within minutes of consuming it.
Sports Drinks
While you may reach for the energy drinks to help with hydration, unlike water, these are packed with harmful ingredients for your teeth. The acid in these can start to break down the enamel on your teeth, especially near the gumline.
Lemonade
While lemonade may seem like a healthier choice than most popular beverages, it is actually like an acid bath for your teeth. The citric acid contained in most lemonades drops the pH balance in your mouth instantly. As a result, the enamel softens and becomes very susceptible to decay.
Shaved Ice and Popsicles
The danger in these sweet treats lies in the syrup they contain. These syrups form a sticky glaze in your mouth, which is detrimental to your molars. Consuming these can form oral bacteria in your mouth that can linger for hours, causing damage to your teeth’s enamel.
Ice Cream
Of all these summer treats, ice cream is somewhat safer for your teeth because it contains dairy products, which contain milk fats and protein, which don’t linger in your mouth. The additional toppings within ice cream and excessive sugar are what does the damage.
Summer Dental Tips
You’re probably wondering if you can continue to enjoy your summertime favorites while protecting your teeth. Here are some tips.
Don’t Brush Your Teeth Right After Consuming Sugary Drinks or Snacks
Health-conscious people tend to think that it is a good idea to brush their teeth right after consuming these sweets, but they are partially correct. While brushing after sweets is a good practice, it is best to do so 20 to 30 minutes after consumption. After eating or drinking sugary foods or drinks, the enamel softens, and brushing afterward can cause extensive damage.
Use a Straw
These drinks cause a lot of damage because they come into direct contact with your teeth when you drink them straight from a cup. You can reduce the potential damage, particularly from beverages, by using a straw when you consume them.
Consume Quickly
Your mother may have instructed you to take your time and eat slowly when you were a child. However, when it comes to sugary drinks and snacks, the sooner you can get it over with, the better. Giving your mouth a break by consuming such items in 20 minutes or less can neutralize the acids in your mouth and rebuild defenses.
Schedule Your Dental Visit Today
Summer treats can be hard to resist, but frequent sugary drinks and frozen snacks may increase the risk of plaque buildup, enamel erosion, and cavities. A professional cleaning and exam at Sedki Dentistry can help remove buildup, identify early concerns, and keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
Sedki Dentistry in Commerce provides full-service dental care for patients of all ages. From routine cleanings and children’s dentistry to cosmetic options such as veneers and clear aligners, as well as dentures, implants, and gum treatments, our team is here to help you protect and improve your smile. Contact us today to schedule your free dental consultation.