As the months become warmer, thirst becomes greater, and little says summer like an ice-cold glass of tea, lemonade, or even a fruit smoothie. In fact, for many people, summertime refreshments are among the greatest things about summer. Nevertheless, just because they’re popular doesn’t mean they’re necessarily good for you or your oral health, and over-indulging without proper dental care can spell a disastrous summer break for your smile. Your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Michael Young, explores summers famous pastime beverages, and the dangers that they can pose to your oral health if you’re not careful.
Lemonade, Iced Tea, and Smoothies—Oh My!
Tall glasses of ice-cold beverages are as much a symbol of summer as swimming pools and school vacations. Lemonade, iced tea, and fruit smoothies are common favorites for their sweet flavors, and as healthier alternatives to soda. As far as your teeth are concerned, however, these drinks are hardly any safer than their infamous carbonated counterparts. Aside from ice cubes, these beverages contain loads of sugar and acid—either of which can harm your teeth. Acids weaken your tooth enamel (the strong protective layer around your teeth) and deplete your teeth of minerals to keep enamel weak. While some beverages are naturally acidic, their sugar content feeds oral bacteria, which convert the sugar into more acid, increasing the ferocity of the attack on your teeth and your risk of developing tooth decay.
You Don’t Have to Stop Enjoying Refreshments
It isn’t hard to understand why people love lemonade, iced tea, and smoothies, or why they often choose the tasty refreshments over a glass of water; they’re often more satisfying than clear, “boring” water, and typically they taste better with your meals. Luckily, the dangers of lemonade, iced tea, and smoothies don’t mean that you have to swear them off completely. Dr. Young advises drinking a glass of water, or at least swishing some around your mouth for a while, after finishing your refreshment to neutralize the acid and protect your teeth. Also, be sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to help control the population of acid-producing bacteria in your mouth.
Keep Your Smile Safe this Summer with Your Lafayette Dentist
To learn more about protecting your smile this summer, schedule an appointment with your Lafayette dentist by calling Dr. Young at (337) 237-6453. Located in the 70508 area, we proudly serve patients from Lafayette and all surrounding communities.