5 Warm Weather Foods You Should Watch Out For

It’s officially summer! Which means all of our favorite sweet and special warm weather treats are back! Here are few foods to avoid and how to make sure that indulging in them doesn’t damage your pearly white smile!

Citrus or acidic foods

All that fresh lime and lemon is great to awaken flavors on freshly grilled food but it can be very damaging to tooth enamel. Take care to wash extra acidic foods down with a quick sip of water.

Soda

There isn’t a drink that is much more refreshing on a hot summer day than a cold can of soda. We all know that over indulging in soda is bad for our health, but this includes our oral health too! Soda can weaken tooth enamel and the high amounts of sugar can promote cavities.

Starchy foods

Foods like hamburger buns or hot dog buns are super starchy foods. These soft foods can easily lodge themselves between teeth, which could lead to cavities. A regular flossing routine can help combat this issue.

Pickles

Because of both the vinegar and sugar used in the pickling process, pickles and pickled vegetables are highly acidic, which can damage tooth enamel. Additionally, the extra sugar can encourage plaque build up.

Corn on the cob

While fresh corn on the cob is a nutrient powerhouse (and summer staple), it does pose some oral health risks to keep in mind. Little pieces of corn can easily become lodged between teeth. It is important to floss after eating corn on the cob to help prevent cavities and ease potential discomfort.

Good oral hygiene is a key factor to helping curb the effects of these warm weather foods that might wreck havoc on your teeth. Whatever your summery indulgence might be, remember the possible effects on your teeth and be sure to plan accordingly. For more tips on how best to care for your teeth, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page!