The Top 10 Summertime Foods That Lead To Tooth Decay
Who doesn’t love summer? Long days, cool nights, pool days, and no school – what could be better?
Unfortunately, summer can often take quite a toll on oral health, especially among children. Kids have a less stable routine, meaning they are less likely to brush and floss adequately. In addition, dehydration and the consumption of sugary snacks can cause serious tooth decay.
Enjoy summer with a healthy smile by checking our list of top 10 summertime foods that can lead to tooth decay!
- Soda – There’s nothing better than an ice-cold pop during the summer, but excessive consumption of sugary drinks is sure to lead to tooth decay.
- Snack Crackers – The readily-accessible starches in common snack crackers like Ritz and Goldfish quickly convert to sugar in your mouth.
- Popsicles – Popsicles may be a delicious summery treat, but they’re loaded with simple sugars that bacteria feasts on. Not only that, the action of sucking on a popsicle can reduce the level of saliva in your mouth, further encouraging tooth decay.
- Ice Cream – Ice cream is loaded with sugar, and despite the calcium and vitamin C present in ice cream, it’s a major cause of tooth decay.
- Citrus Fruits – Whether consumed on their own, or as part of a beverage, excessive citrus fruit consumption can weaken your teeth because of the high levels of citric acid often found in limes, oranges and lemons. When combined with sugar – in lemonade, for example – this can do serious harm to your teeth.
- Fruit Juices – Fruit juices may be tasty, but they’re bad for your teeth. And recent studies suggest they have little nutritional value to children. Avoid fruit juices, and instead consume whole fruit such as watermelon.
- Sticky, Gummy Candies – Gummy candies like gummy bears and sour worms generally contain quite a bit of citric acid and sugar. Not only that, small sugary pieces of candy tend to get stuck between the teeth and in the molars, where they’re a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and tooth decay.
- Sports Drinks – Sports drinks may seem like a great alternative to soda, but many sports drinks like Gatorade still contain quite a bit of sugar, and can encourage tooth decay.
- Ice – This may seem like a strange addition, but chewing ice can cause serious damage to your tooth enamel, and if your tooth cracks, your risk of tooth decay is dramatically increased.
- Ketchup – Due to its tomato-based composition, ketchup is high in acids, as well as sugars. Excessive ketchup consumption can be a major contributing factor to tooth decay.
That’s quite the list. But don’t worry, Ridgeview Dental isn’t trying to ruin your fun! We simply recommend that you limit consumption of these items – both for yourself, and for your children.
It’s also a good idea to encourage your children to drink plenty of water, and ensure that they are brushing and flossing at least twice a day. If you do so, you and your kids can enjoy these summer foods without risking serious tooth decay!
Got Cavities? Need Fillings? Come To Ridgeview Dental Today For Centennial General And Family Dentistry!
If you or your child has already managed to get a cavity or two during the summer, it’s not the end of the world. At Ridgeview Dental, we specialize in fillings for the whole family!
Centennial dentist Dr. Benjamin Bassett specializes in repairing the damage done by tooth decay. Our pediatric dentistry services focus on treating your children with care and affection, and explaining every step of the process. We make your kids feel comfortable and safe, so that their trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary!
We also offer general and family dentistry to everyone who is suffering from tooth decay. Our family-oriented practice provides exceptional care for patients of all ages. Don’t suffer from tooth decay. Call Ridgeview Dental today!