When you imagine summer, your mind probably focuses on vacation, swimming, and enjoying time with family and friends, right? Nice weather and time off allow you to throw parties to celebrate the 4th of July or simply host a barbecue in your backyard. 

Before you dig into the sweet treats at your next party, here are some of the foods you should avoid when thinking about your oral hygiene (trust us, your dentist will thank you)!

Slow Down On Sugar-Filled Treats

Soda is refreshing during a hot summer day, but it also has an abundance of sugar that can wreak havoc on your teeth. Not only soda, but other sugary treats, too. 

Popsicles, candy, sweet tea, and more are all capable of causing unwanted cavities that may send you to the dentist. When you’re at your next party, you may want to think twice about grabbing that second can of soda or extra scoop of ice cream – unless you want tooth cavities!

Be Cautious of Hard Foods

Backyard barbecue staples like hot dogs and hamburgers are easy to eat when thinking about your teeth. However, other foods like corn on the cob require more use of your teeth and can be risky to eat. 

Whether it’s a hard kernel that didn’t get cooked all the way or a bone in your chicken breast, these things can cause serious damage to your teeth if you aren’t careful. When in doubt, cut your food into smaller pieces – this allows you to take smaller bites to avoid damage.

Don’t Snack Throughout the Party

While at a barbecue, it’s tempting to graze throughout the party. It’s common to eat a meal and then go back for seconds (or thirds) to be able to try everything there is to offer. 

Even after you’re full, you’ll still go back and grab a handful of chips because they’re out in the open. However, snacking can actually be really harmful to your teeth!

Would you believe that Goldfish crackers are one of the worst snacks for your teeth? That’s because they break down into tiny pieces and get stuck in your gums and teeth. Chips and other types of crackers aren’t too far behind, though.

Snacking happens – we all do it. But we want you to think about your oral hygiene proactively! Before heading to a party, toss a floss dispenser in your pocket or purse so you can remove those pesky crumbs that get left behind.

Take Control of Your Oral Hygiene Today

Dental emergencies during the summer are never fun; we know there are a million other things you could be doing with your time. While we want you to enjoy the foods you love, we also want you to think about the best oral hygiene routine for yourself.

No matter how careful you are with your teeth, cavities can still happen. If you’re looking for cavity treatment in Jenkintown, our team at Barry P. Levin DMD, PC is here to help! Don’t let a party mishap get you in a rut. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning!