We all know that summer is a time for enjoying the outdoors, having BBQ’s and eating a variety of delicious summer foods but with all of the fun in the sun it is all to common to forget about taking care of those pearly whites. Chips, sodas and sugary drinks are favorites of many people, especially during the summer, but are high risk dental health dangers. I was lucky enough to gather insight from Dr. Sabrina Magid-Katz of Advanced Dentistry of Westchester on top hidden cavity culprits this summer to avoid. I know I will be watching out for these surprising cavity culprits and so should you!
Dr. Magid-Katz’s Top Summer Cavity Culprits to Avoid
Lemonade
When people think of summer, they often think of lemonade. What they may not think about is how sipping on this refreshing drink is affecting their teeth. Not only does the sugar in lemonade feed the bacteria in your mouth, but even the sugar-free lemonades have acid. It’s the acid that actually causes tooth wear and decay. “When people talk about sugar causing cavities, what really happens is that the bacteria eat the sugar and produce acid which erodes the teeth. It takes approximately 20 minutes for your mouth to recover from the acid, so how often you sip or snack is actually more important to your teeth than how much,” said Dr. Magid-Katz. For a healthy substitute, try cucumber-infused water instead. It’s just as refreshing on a hot summer day and good for you too!
Dried Fruit
Summer is a great time for fruit! Make sure to opt for fresh fruit instead of dried. Not only are many types of fruit in season now, but eating them fresh is a much healthier alternative. The dried fruit is sticky and holds on to your teeth for extended periods of time, constantly feeding the bacteria in your mouth and causing cavities. When eating any kind of fruit (or any food at all for that matter) beware of hidden pits that can break teeth and seeds that can hide under your gums and in the grooves of your teeth. Be sure to brush and floss thoroughly to keep the seeds out!
Gummy Candy
While gummy candy can be tempting this summer, it is one of the top cavity culprits! Be sure to avoid sticky candies and sour candies. “Sour candies get their sour taste from acid, which dissolves teeth,” said Dr. Magid-Katz. The sticky part of the candy sits on teeth and feeds bacteria. Go for the dark chocolate instead of the sour patch kids. Also avoid fruit by the foot. Fruit by the foot is many things, but fruit isn’t one of them. It is like gluing sugar to your teeth.
“Healthy” sticky snacks
Granola and raisins are considered “healthy” snacks that are actually dental dangers. These snacks are prone to sticking to teeth and contain substances that help keep bacteria in the mouth. As a healthy alternative this summer, opt for a less sticky “healthy” snack such as celery. Celery has lots of fiber and water, which is good for your whole body. Try some nut butter on it for an extra boost.
Advanced Dentistry of Westchester is located at 163 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY. For more information call (914) 835-0542 or visit www.adofw.com.
