Protect your smile from summer cravings
5 summer foods ranked by oral health risk
Summer is the season of backyard barbecues, poolside snacks, and cool treats. While indulging in a craving or two is part of the fun, it’s important to consider how certain foods influence your oral health.
Enjoying summer foods doesn’t mean sacrificing oral health! Here are a few tips to keep your teeth strong:
Drink water to rinse away food particles and reduce acidity.
Choose tooth-friendly snacks like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Limit sugary and sticky foods to prevent cavities.
Brush twice, floss daily and maintain your regularly scheduled dental checkups.
Ranking 5 summer favorites
Some summer foods are packed with nutrients that support oral health, while others contain sugar, acid, or sticky textures that can harm teeth. Here’s how a few seasonal favorites stack up:
1. Watermelon
A hydrating, vitamin-rich fruit with vitamin C and potassium to maintain strong teeth and gums, and vitamin A for healthy eyes.
Verdict: A refreshing and tooth-friendly summer snack.
2. Corn on the cob
Corn has calcium and vitamin C for strong teeth, and it’s packed with fiber to help your body produce saliva. However, eating directly off the cob can push kernels between teeth and increase your risk of plaque buildup.
Verdict: It’s healthy, just make sure you floss carefully when you’re done.
3. Hot dogs
A summer cookout favorite, hot dogs are high in fat and loaded with sodium, which can cause gum inflammation and dry mouth, among other issues.
Verdict: Hot dogs aren’t great for your smile. Get your protein from chicken or pork instead.
4. S'mores
You can probably guess the answer to this one. S’mores combine sticky marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers — three sugary ingredients that can cling to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria.
Verdict: No more s’mores. Or at least, don’t indulge often. For a healthier summer treat, try strawberries covered in dark chocolate.
5. Lemonade
Sugary, acidic drinks like lemonade and soda can weaken your enamel and help mouth bacteria multiply, contributing to cavities and tooth decay.
Verdict: Choose water or fruit-infused water instead of highly sweet beverages such as lemonade.
Some summer staples can strengthen teeth and gums, while others may increase the risk of cavities or enamel erosion. Take care of your smile so you can have fun in the sun all season long.
