The Best and Worst Foods to Eat During the Summer
Summer has arrived and so has all of its temptations! It’s hard to avoid all of those tasty foods that are so wildly available during the summer. But did you know that some of your favorite summertime snacks can hurt your dental health? It’s important to make good choices for you and your teeth!
Bad Food
Bread with Seeds
Any dentist will tell you that seeds will be the downfall of your dental health. Those little seeds are prone to get stuck in your gums and in between your teeth. Soft bread such as buns can also get lodged and cause damage. It is important that any lodged food is removed as deteriorating food can cause tooth decay and infection.
Chips
Chips and other starchy, crunchy snacks are also likely to get stuck between your teeth. Another thing to consider is that sharp bits and pieces can cause damage to our gums. If you have food lodged in your teeth, remember to not use a toothpick, and use a form of dental floss instead such as a disposable floss pick.
Soda and Sweets
You’ve been hearing it all your life and you’re going to hear it from us too: soda and sugary snacks are not good for your teeth! If indulging, make sure to do so sparingly and to drink plenty of water to wash away the debris left behind!
Salad Dressing
Who doesn’t love using a tasty ranch or a zesty vinaigrette to dress their salad? It’s almost as if they’re filled with sugars and acids to make them taste good... Oh, that’s right, they are! We know, those leafy greens can be pretty bland, but it’s important to make good choices for your teeth! Try to stay away from dressings filled with sugar and acidic ingredients as they wear away the enamel on your teeth.
Good Food
Cheese
Oh cheese, you never disappoint us! The calcium and phosphates in cheese are excellent for building up tooth and jaw-bone strength. So go ahead ask for extra cheese on your burger and reach for some cheese off that platter, just no crackers!
Raw Veggies
Munching on crunchy, raw veggies are the best thing you can do for your teeth this summer! All that roughage will clean any bacteria and food debris left on your teeth. So the next time you reach for a potato chip, divert towards the veggie platter instead.
Fruit
Fruit, especially the watery kinds, are the perfect healthy snack in the summertime! They can help satisfy your cravings for sweets while being teeth-friendly. Also, you can make infused fruit-water as an alternative to soda. Next time at the grocery store, make sure to load up on watermelons, strawberries, and cantaloupe.
Now, you are ready to make the right snacking choices! We know that it is impossible to always avoid the “bad foods” which is why it’s important to always drink water and to carry a floss pick. As always, if you or someone you know is having a dental issue, please contact us about your symptoms.
