How to avoid damaging your teeth this summer

Ice cream 

When the sun is beaming down, it’s incredibly tempting to gorge on ice cream and lollies to keep yourself cool. While an ice cream cone once in a while won’t damage your teeth, making it a daily occurrence at the height of summer could cause you some issues. The main reason for this is the high sugar content of ice cream, with some products containing as much as 24 grams per serving!

Instead of turning to sugary snacks to cool you down, consider making your own ice pops or refreshing yourself with some lemon water. Too much sugar is really bad for your teeth, so don’t get into the habit of loading up on ice cream when the weather improves. 

Chewing ice 

Some people chew ice in the summer months to keep them cool. While it doesn’t result in any issues for most people, if you have sensitive teeth or damaged enamel, you might chip your teeth. Instead of chewing ice, simply add it to your drink and enjoy sipping the cool liquid. As tempting as it might be, chewing on ice could cause your teeth problems this summer, so it’s best to avoid it. 

Smoking 

If you flock to the beer gardens this summer to meet your friends, don’t fall into the bad habit of smoking socially. Even if you just have a few cigarettes once in a while, you are likely to damage your teeth. Smoking can lead to the build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth and significantly increases your chances of developing gum disease. Not only that, but your breath will smell, and you will be exposed to the broad range of other health issues that smoking is known for. So, when you’re enjoying a few beers or glasses of wine with friends, resist the temptation of lighting up. 

Acidic drinks 

When you’re cooling off this summer, try and avoid acidic drinks wherever possible. The likes of orange and grapefruit juice are bad for your enamel, and sodas and sports drinks can also be particularly damaging to your teeth. If you do enjoy the occasional acidic drink, make sure you take a drink of water afterwards and consider drinking it through a straw. 

Again, while a soda once in a while isn’t going to harm your teeth, getting into the habit of taking soda daily in the summer will affect your enamel and could lead to a build-up of plaque and tartar. 

Maintaining good dental hygiene this summer 

When the summer rolls around, there’s a lot to be excited about. But you need to make sure you maintain good dental hygiene, so your pearly whites don’t cause you pain as you socialise with your friends. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. 

You should also visit your dentist at least twice a year for checkups to ensure there are no underlying issues with your teeth. If you want your teeth to sparkle this summer, consider checking in with one of our dental hygienists to make sure you’re doing everything you can to look after your teeth. 

If you’re hoping to achieve the bright, glowing smile that you’ve always dreamed of this summer, you might also consider our teeth whitening service, which guarantees you results that you will be proud of. To book an appointment at Pure Smiles, give us a call today on 0203 613 3753.