By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
When the summer heat arrives in Minnesota, you naturally reach for cold, refreshing drinks to help you cool down. Unfortunately, many popular summer beverages are loaded with sugar and acids that can quietly damage your teeth. At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert often help our patients understand how everyday drinks can contribute to cavities, enamel erosion, and tooth sensitivity. The good news is that you do not have to give up refreshing summer drinks completely — you simply need to make smarter choices that protect your smile while still helping you beat the heat.
One of the biggest surprises for many patients is how much sugar is hiding inside popular iced coffees and lemonades. That “healthy-looking” flavored iced coffee you grab on the way to work may contain 30 to 50 grams of sugar — sometimes even more than a can of soda. Lemonade can be just as problematic because it combines both high sugar levels and strong acidity. Even if you sip slowly throughout the day, your teeth are constantly being exposed to sugar-loving bacteria and acid attacks that weaken enamel and increase your risk for cavities. Energy drinks, sweet tea, frozen coffee beverages, and sports drinks can create similar problems, especially when consumed frequently during hot summer months.
Fortunately, there are many refreshing drinks that are much safer for your teeth. Plain water remains the gold standard because it keeps you hydrated, rinses away food particles, and does not feed cavity-causing bacteria. If you want something more exciting, you can infuse water with fresh strawberries, cucumber slices, mint leaves, watermelon, or citrus wedges for flavor without adding large amounts of sugar. Sparkling water without added sugar can also be a refreshing alternative, although Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert generally recommend choosing options without citric acid whenever possible. Unsweetened iced tea is another excellent choice because many teas contain antioxidants that may even support your oral and overall health.
If you still enjoy sweet summer drinks occasionally, there are ways to reduce the damage to your teeth. Drinking sugary beverages with meals instead of sipping them all afternoon can help minimize prolonged acid exposure. Using a straw can also help limit direct contact between the drink and your tooth enamel. After finishing acidic beverages like lemonade or iced coffee, it is helpful to rinse your mouth with water to neutralize acids. However, you should avoid brushing immediately afterward because acidic drinks temporarily soften enamel, and brushing too soon can actually increase enamel wear. Waiting about 30 minutes before brushing is usually the safest option.
Summer should be enjoyable for both you and your smile. By choosing tooth-friendly beverages more often and limiting sugary drinks to occasional treats, you can greatly reduce your risk for cavities while still staying cool and refreshed. At Eggert Family Dentistry, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert are always happy to help you make choices that support long-term oral health. Small changes in your daily habits — including what you drink — can make a tremendous difference in keeping your teeth healthy, strong, and beautiful all summer long. Call us today for your summer recare appointment! Appointments are filling fast! 651-482-8412.