Rye Brook NY Dentist on Sunnier Choices
Your Rye Brook NY dentist most likely enjoys summer just as much as you do. What we may know more about and have to treat the effects of more often though, is how a summer diet can impact the teeth. There is no doubt that we eat slightly different in summer than we do in the other months of the year, so today we will be examining how some of those choices can be detrimental, and what you can do to prevent any complications.
While the occasional BBQ can definitely be a staple of summer, we find most patients go for a lighter fare overall. Whether that is due to the amount of time in a bathing suit, or that the winter months are tending to be more “heavy hibernation food,” that is up for debate.
With that said, fun and light options such as salads, ciders, frozen coffees, sangrias, and wines are easy to prepare, easy to share and delightful to eat outside on your porch with friends. The problem with a majority of these foods and drinks is their low pH level, which can lead to the acidic erosion of the teeth, and high sugar levels. The combination of these two factors can lead to dental decay, disease, and worse over time if the proper maintenance steps are not in place.
To help battle the summer time dietary effects, there are a few things you can try. Alternate glasses of wine or other acidic/sugary beverages with glasses of water. If possible, try drinking them with a straw- so that you bypass the teeth for the most part. Also, brushing and flossing should never be neglected- but maybe wait about 45 minutes after these meals before you choose to do so. By brushing prematurely, you can be rubbing the acids into the teeth and not be allowing saliva to do its neutralizing process first.
Last, but not least, don’t forget to come see your Rye Brook NY dentist for a twice yearly cleaning and exam to keep your teeth in tip-top summer shape!
You can call our office today at (914) 939-2132 to schedule an appointment.