Summer Snacks & Your Oral Health
At times, the summer scorching heat can be intolerable. During this season, many of us will reach for frozen treats or ice-cold sodas to cool down from the heat. Even though we may like cold snacks like ice cream, milkshakes, popsicles, and snow cones, the amount of sugar in these treats can be detrimental to your oral health.
Dental Health Problems
Most frozen treats contain a lot of sugar. Harmful oral bacteria feed on the sugar to make the acids that wear down your tooth enamel. This can result in oral health problems like tooth decay, cavities, dental abscesses, and gum disease. Those conditions can also cause your teeth to be sensitive to hot or cold food. Feeling sudden and sharp discomfort while enjoying a frozen treat is always unpleasant. This is why you need to be mindful of the amount of sugar you are consuming in general, and also why you should brush and floss multiple times per day.
Alternative Healthy Summer Treats
There are many other alternatives to treats that can help you stay cool while also being healthier for your teeth. Eating fresh fruits like apples, pears, strawberries, and melons has health benefits like fiber and vitamin C. Put some fruit in the ice chest to get cold if you are looking for a snack that can col you down. While many fruits contain sugar, the amount is much lower than typical sugary snacks. Another summer treat that you can try is non-sugar yogurt. Greek yogurt even contains calcium and proteins that help to strengthen your teeth. Choosing healthy alternatives can help satisfy the sugar cravings while also providing other nutritional benefits. And as always be sure to drink plenty of water!
Caring For Your Teeth
Cleaning your teeth and flossing regularly are essential to keeping you smile healthy year-round, but don’t forget to go to the dentist for a checkup on a regular basis. Your dentist can advise you on the best course of action and assist you in spotting any early signs of oral health problems. At Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental, we can provide deep cleaning and treatment to care your dental health. To make an appointment, contact us at (210) 877-2273.
