When the hot weather hits, you’ll do just about anything to cool off—and treat yourself after a long day in the sun. But certain foods may be doing more harm than good to your oral health. The family dentists at Kahala Smile Professionals in Honolulu, Hawaii, emphasize the importance of dental care, no matter the season, and provide services to keep your teeth sparkling through the summer.

While summer is a time for relaxation and comfort, it’s still necessary to keep up on healthy dental care habits. To avoid any future issues, either eliminate or limit your intake of the following foods:

• Citrus: Whether it’s in fruit or juice form, citrus products can erode tooth enamel, which can cause decay and cavities.
• Ice: You may think frozen water couldn’t possibly hurt you, but unfortunately, chewing on ice can also damage tooth enamel.
• Sticky Food: The popular summertime treat saltwater taffy may taste great, but it can wreak havoc on your teeth. The particles from taffy and other sticky food like bubblegum or dried fruits can stick around longer than you’d like, hiding between teeth even after brushing.
• Soda: While popping open an ice-cold can of cola sounds appealing, drinking this sugary beverage, which is full of artificial flavorings and caffeine, can lead to the formation of plaque and could damage your tooth enamel.
• Sugary Food: Obviously, foods that are high in sugar aren’t any good for your teeth. Foods like s’mores, ice cream, and popsicles can weaken your enamel and lead to cavities.

To stay in the best dental health, it’s best to limit your intake of these foods and regularly visit a dentist for checkup appointments. Kahala Smile Professionals is dedicated to providing quality dentistry services to keep their patients happy and healthy. If you’re concerned about your oral health, they’re always available to help. For more information about their dental care services, call (808) 732-9232 or visit their website.