Summer is a fun time filled with sunny days, time outdoors, and tasty seasonal treats. But some of the foods and drinks we enjoy during the warmer months can have a big impact on our teeth. If you care about your smile and want to protect your dental health in Hawthorne, it’s a good idea to know which summer foods help and which ones can hurt.

Call 310-982-4895 now to schedule a visit to Hawthorne Smile Spa.

The Sweet Trouble with Sugary Treats

Ice cream, popsicles, and slushies are everywhere in summer. While they taste great, they’re loaded with sugar. When sugar sits on your teeth, it feeds bacteria that can cause cavities.

Watch out for these:

  • Ice cream and frozen desserts
  • Soda and sweet teas
  • Sports drinks and energy drinks
  • Chewy candies and fruit snacks

Sticky treats like fruit snacks, caramels, and chewy candies tend to hang around long after you’ve finished eating them. They stick to the grooves in your teeth, giving harmful bacteria more time to create cavity-causing acid. If you eat something sugary, it’s a smart move to rinse with water afterward and brush when possible to help protect your teeth.

Tart & Tangy Trouble

Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are cool and refreshing in the summer heat, but they come with a downside. Their high acid content can slowly wear away tooth enamel, which is the strong outer layer that shields your teeth. Once enamel is weakened, your teeth become more sensitive and prone to damage.

Common acidic foods include:

  • Lemons and limes
  • Oranges and grapefruits
  • Tomatoes
  • Vinegar-based dressings and pickles

Enjoy these foods in moderation, and wait a bit before brushing your teeth after eating them. Brushing too soon can cause more harm when enamel is softened by acid.

Summer Foods That Help Your Smile

Not all summer foods are bad for your teeth! Many fresh fruits and vegetables are full of water, vitamins, and fiber, which are great for your whole body — including your teeth.

Smile-friendly options:

  • Crunchy fruits like apples and pears
  • Watermelon and berries (in moderation)
  • Leafy greens and carrots
  • Cheese and yogurt (low in sugar, high in calcium)
  • Water and milk

These foods help clean your teeth, boost saliva, and give your body the nutrients it needs for strong enamel and healthy gums.

Support a Healthy Smile All Summer Long

Summer brings plenty of chances to relax and have fun, but it’s also important to stay on top of your dental care. Cutting back on sugary treats, going easy on acidic foods, and picking snacks that are good for your teeth can all help maintain strong dental health in Hawthorne. 

Stay hydrated with water, brush morning and night, and don’t skip your daily flossing. With a little extra care, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer without putting your smile at risk.

Call Hawthorne Smile Spa at 310-982-4895 or schedule online for an appointment.