What Your Summer Snacking Habits Might Be Doing to Your Teeth

From road trips to pool days, from cookouts to sporting events, summer is full of snacking opportunities. In fact, sometimes they drive right up to your door in the form of the ice cream truck. As you may already have heard from your Kansas City family dentist, however, all that snacking can be hard on your teeth. Here’s what you might not have known: it isn’t just what you eat, but how often you eat!

Summer grazing can be hard on your teeth. Here’s why!

During the school year, everyone is on a more predictable schedule—and that includes when you eat. In the summer, on the other hand, kids and adults are more likely to snack all day while they’re at the pool, on a road trip, or just hanging around the house. This kind of frequent snacking is bad for your smile because it keeps your teeth under constant attack from sugars, starches, and acids that can break down enamel and harm your teeth. Protecting your smile isn’t just about choosing healthier snacks; it’s also about limiting repeat exposure to tooth-damaging treats.

Frozen summer treats bring sugar and sensitivity!

We get it. On a hot summer day, nothing sounds more refreshing than a cold treat. Snow cones, slushies, popsicles, and other frozen treats are loaded with sugar, but that’s not the only problem. Frozen treats also hit your teeth with a burst of extreme cold, which can trigger tooth sensitivity—not to mention the dreaded “brain freeze.” Many popular summer treats and beverages are also highly acidic, and acid can wear down tooth enamel over time and lead to increased tooth sensitivity. What’s the solution? You can still enjoy these summertime favorites but enjoy them in moderation. If you’re indulging in an acidic drink, consider using a straw to limit contact between the drink and your teeth.

Active kids need better fuel.

Growing kids always need nutritious food and healthy snacks, but they especially need them during the summer when outdoor play, summer sports, and trips to camp burn a lot of extra energy. To feed those active kids, you need healthy snacks that can keep up with them. Rather than candy or processed fruit snacks, encourage them to reach for cheese sticks, cut fruit and vegetables, nuts, whole-grain crackers, yogurt, or other healthy alternatives. And encourage them to rehydrate with water rather than sugary sports drinks!

Don’t forget to pack your snacks

Here’s a hot tip for parents who want their kids—and themselves—to eat better and want to save a little money at the same time: If you’re going on a road trip or a family vacation, pack your snacks ahead of time rather than buying whatever is available along the way. Concession stands, gas stations, and tourist traps usually offer a variety of sugary, highly processed, and acidic options that aren’t very healthy or very nutritious. Packing ahead gives you better control over what everyone eats and drinks, and you can still grab an occasional unhealthy snack if something really tickles your fancy. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pack some sugar-free gum for after eating!

Whether you’re on a road trip or just chilling around the house, your summer snacking habits can affect your teeth in more ways than you might have thought. As you can see, though, a few small adjustments and a little help from your Kansas City family dentist can protect your enamel, reduce the risk of cavities, and keep you smiling all summer long!

While we’re on the subject of summer, don’t forget to schedule your family’s biannual dental checkups before school starts! Call Blacker Family Dental in Kansas City at (816) 763-8400 or click here to schedule an appointment today!