We may be dipping our toes tentatively into Autumn with the first days of September already upon us, but it looks like we may yet have a few hot and sunny days to enjoy before the leaves fall.

With the weather forecasters predicting another few weeks worth of sunshine and high temperatures you’d be forgiven for trying to wring as much fun out of the days and nights whilst you can with as many summery treats as you can find. Although summery treats are all well and good in moderation, partaking in too many can have a strongly negative effect on your teeth and your oral hygiene in general.

Obviously, it would be wrong of us to suggest that you cut out all ice lollies or al fresco drinks, no matter how much the effects would please us dentist here at Ewan Bramley Dental Care under pressure. There are however some simple steps that you can take to help deal with the effects of certain summer snacks and goodies.

Ice cream

Everybody loves ice cream, but it’s just as well that we don’t eat it all year round as it’s packed with sugar. As well as the actual ice cream, though, we must consider the sugar content of the cone as well as any sauces or toppings that you can choose from. If you can resist it’s definitely best, in the long run, to enjoy your ice cream without optional extras (that includes a flake), but you should definitely buy a mouthwash with higher fluoride content and gargle with it as soon as possible. The sugar used to sweeten ice cream can cause a build up of plaque in the crevices of your teeth, something that can prove catastrophic further down the line.

Alcohol

British tradition states that as soon as the first rays of Summer hit somewhere around 90% of the population hotfoot it to the nearest beer garden. Aside from the damage to your liver and general health, however, you should try to keep in mind the damage that certain drinks can do to your teeth and choose your tipple discerningly. Fruity cocktails can be particularly bad for your teeth as they contain extra large amounts of fructose and glucose sugars as well as harmful acids that can damage the delicate balance of your mouth. Try and follow each cocktail with a glass of water to rinse away the worst of the sugars and acids. If cider is your preferred drink then try drinking it through a straw, as each glass contains up to five teaspoons of sugar. Beer is a better alternative for your teeth as it far less sweet and sugary.

Iced drinks

Iced caffeinated drinks such as Frappuccinos have become increasingly popular over the last few years, as the cafe culture of the UK has grown. Whilst these may seem like a refreshing change to the usual teas and coffees, the reality is that they can do a lot of damage if drank too regularly and without due care. Each Frappucino or similar contains over double the recommended daily sugar allowance of the average person.

Put simply, drinking a Frappucino is the same as drinking a litre of fizzy drink in one go, something few of us ever does. Rinsing your mouth with water after an iced drink will help to neutralise any acids and wash away excess sugars, but an even better way to combat decay is to chew sugar-free gum immediately after drinking. Chewing gum increases saliva, which provides a vital barrier against harmful substances. It’s also worth asking for a version of the drink with less sugar, as most cafe chains provide a ‘light’ option for the sugar conscious.

So, there you have it. Follow these simple steps and your teeth will stay healthy long into the Autumn!

For more dental news, hints and tips visit www.ewanbramley.com