Summer is one of Chicagoans' favorite times of year, and with all the outdoor fun and festivals comes a variety of food and drinks to be enjoyed. You may be surprised at how these tasty treats are affecting your smile.
Pickles
Who doesn't love pickles at a cookout? As delicious and healthy as pickles and other pickled vegetables are, they are made with a lot of sugar and vinegar; both are known to do damage to teeth enamel and can cause decay or erosion.
Barbecue Sauce
Do you enjoy a hefty amount of BBQ sauce on your pulled pork sandwich? Like pickles, barbecue sauces tend to be high in sugar and vinegar. They also may contain tomato paste or dyes that can also cause damage or even stain teeth.
Diet Soda
To avoid higher levels of sugar and calories, many people turn to diet soda as a healthier alternative. However, diet sodas still contain a lot of acidity and other harmful substances.
Sports Drinks
Summer is the time for outdoor sports and other activities, and sports drinks are a popular way to keep hydrated. These beverages are actually full of sugars and acids that can wear away enamel.
Iced Coffee
You need your caffeine for the workday even when it's hot outside, which is why many choose iced coffee in the summer. Since coffee is dark in color, it can significantly darken teeth over time. Sip iced coffee through a straw whenever possible, and lighten its color with cream or milk.
As always, you should continue drinking plenty of water throughout the summer and keep practicing proper oral health care. Happy summer!
Courtesy of Martin and Sheng Dental
