Could Your Summer Diet be Rotting Your Teeth?
Summer is here and many of us are happily enjoying salads, fruit juices and after-work cocktails. While a summer diet is often considered healthier than hearty winter comfort food, there are some hidden threats, especially when it comes to your dental health.
Dr Sameer Patel from Elleven Dental in London has warned that summer favourites are actually doing a great deal of harm to the teeth. From fruity ciders, which contain up to five teaspoons of sugar per serving, and acidic fruit-based cocktails to salad dressings, chilled glasses of wine and frappuccinos, many of the foods and drinks we like to consume when the weather warms up contain a lot of sugar and have a low pH, which contributes to acid erosion of the enamel and subsequent wear to the teeth.
In order to combat the potentially harmful effects of summer treats, Dr Patel recommends using a straw when drinking, alternating coffees, cocktails, pints and glasses of wine with a drink of water and avoiding brushing the teeth for at least 45 minutes after eating or drinking anything sugary or acidic. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating and opting for low calorie versions, such as skinny frappuccinos in a coffee shop, may also be beneficial.
Dr Patel also advised a cautious approach when looking at so-called healthy products in the supermarket and high street cafes or coffee chains. Frozen yoghurt, juices and salads are often marketed as healthy products, but they may contain the same amount of fat, salt and sugar as other products perceived as less healthy options. The advice from experts is to read the nutrition labels carefully and watch out for the red traffic light signs, which appear on many popular food and drink products.
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