It’s summer time and on a hot, sunny day, there’s nothing better than finding a comfortable seat in the shade and enjoying a cold drink or frosty frozen treat. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with quenching your thirst and cooling off on a hot day, some summertime sips can cause serious damage to your teeth. Use our helpful guide to determine which drinks are good for your teeth, and which ones should be consumed with caution.  

Water: Your Go-To Beverage

The fact of the matter is there’s no better beverage for the health of your smile, your body, and your mind than water. Water keeps your mouth hydrated (which helps maintain a cleaner, better smelling oral environment) and keeps you refreshed during the hot months. Best of all, tap water is free, readily available, and contains fluoride, which can further strengthen your teeth. Keep a refillable water bottle with you throughout the summer and fill up whenever you pass a water fountain.

Sip these Drinks with Caution

The majority of the drinks you consume throughout the day should be water. However, sometimes you just have to indulge in a frosty beverage. Unfortunately, some of our most beloved summertime treats are sugary or contain enamel-eroding acids (like the citric acid in lemonade and most fruit flavored drinks). Popular summertime drinks that should only be consumed sparingly include:

• Lemonade and other fruit juice beverages
• Sweetened teas or iced coffees
• Frozen slush drinks
• Soda pops
• Wine coolers, spritzers, and mixed or frozen alcoholic drinks

To enjoy your favorite sweet treat and still maintain a healthy smile, you can pop a piece of sugarless chewing gum after drinking. You can also swish your mouth out with water to remove excess particles of sugar or acid.