Enjoy the Season & Summer Sugar Without Sacrificing Your Smile
Summer Sugar and Cavity Prevention: Enjoy the Season Without Sacrificing Your Smile
Summer is here. And that means sunshine, swimming, and summer sugar. Whether it’s popsicles at the pool, s’mores around the firepit, or lemonade at a backyard BBQ, sugary snacks are part of the fun. But too much of a good thing can lead to dental problems if you’re not careful.
At Blue Ocean Dentistry, we want you to enjoy everything summer has to offer without worrying about tooth decay. Cavity prevention doesn’t mean avoiding treats altogether—it just means being smart about what you eat, when you eat it, and how you care for your teeth afterward.
Let’s talk about how to protect your smile while still enjoying the sweetest season of the year.
Why Summer Is Prime Time for Cavities: Summer Sugar
When the school year ends, routines shift—and so do oral hygiene habits. Brushing and flossing can take a back seat when schedules are relaxed, especially for kids and teens. Add in a constant stream of sugary snacks and acidic drinks, and it’s the perfect recipe for tooth decay.
Here’s why summer sugar poses extra challenges for oral hygiene:
- More snacking – Frequent snacking means your teeth are exposed to sugar throughout the day.
- Sticky, sugary foods – S’mores, caramel corn, and chewy candies cling to enamel and feed cavity-causing bacteria.
- Cold drinks with high acid – Lemonade, soda, and sports drinks are both sugary and acidic, which can erode enamel.
- Dehydration – Less saliva from heat and activity can make it harder to naturally rinse away food particles and bacteria.
- With a little planning and awareness, you can still indulge—without inviting cavities to crash the party.
Smart Treat Choices That Are Kinder to Teeth
You don’t have to skip dessert, but choosing the right types of treats makes a difference. Here are some better options:
- Frozen yogurt over ice cream – Lower in sugar and softer on enamel.
- Fresh fruit instead of sticky candy – Strawberries and watermelon satisfy sweet cravings without sticking to teeth.
- Sugar-free popsicles – Cool and refreshing with less cavity risk.
- Cheese cubes and nuts – These make great picnic snacks that actually help neutralize acids in the mouth.
If you do indulge in taffy or snow cones, enjoy them with meals, not between meals. Saliva production increases during mealtime, which helps protect your teeth.
Timing Is Everything: When You Eat Matters
It’s not just what you eat—it’s how often. Constant snacking keeps your mouth in a high-acid environment, which softens enamel and gives cavity-causing bacteria the upper hand.
To reduce your risk:
- Limit snacking between meals
- Rinse with water after sugary foods
- Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and clean teeth
- Brush 30 minutes after acidic foods or drinks, not immediately, to avoid damaging softened enamel
By grouping treats with meals and following them with water or brushing, you minimize their impact on your dental health.
Hydration Helps More Than You Think
It’s easy to get dehydrated in the summer, especially when you’re active. But staying hydrated isn’t just important for your body—it matters for your teeth, too.
Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria and decay. It neutralizes acids, carries minerals to your teeth, and helps rinse away food particles. When you’re low on fluids, you produce less saliva, which increases the risk of cavities.
Encourage kids and adults alike to drink more water throughout the day—especially after eating. If you’re craving something fizzy, opt for sparkling water instead of soda.
Don’t Let Oral Hygiene Take a Vacation
We know summer mornings start later and bedtimes drift later, too. But brushing and flossing can’t go on vacation. It only takes 24 hours for plaque to start turning into tartar, and that can lead to gum irritation and tooth decay.
Here are some simple ways to keep dental habits on track:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes—especially after that evening ice cream run.
- Floss at least once a day, even when you’re tired.
- Replace toothbrushes every 3–4 months, or after any illness.
- Pack travel-sized brushes and floss for trips and overnights.
Consistency is key. Helping kids understand why these habits matter can turn brushing into a game instead of a chore.
Schedule a Mid-Summer or Back-to-School Cleaning
We recommend keeping your dental appointments, but summer is a great time to fit in cleanings while school is out or before fall gets busy again.
A professional cleaning removes tartar that can’t be brushed away and gives us a chance to catch small issues before they become big ones. If you or your child has had more sweets than usual, a fluoride treatment or sealant may also be recommended to protect vulnerable areas.
If you haven’t scheduled a cleaning recently, this is your reminder. And if you’re not sure how long it’s been, give us a call—we’ll check for you.
Enjoy the Sweet Side of Summer—Safely
We’re not here to ruin your summer fun. Popsicles, lemonade, and barbecues are part of what makes this season so special. Our goal is to help you enjoy all of it without sacrificing your oral health.
A little awareness goes a long way. With smart choices, good habits, and regular care, you and your family can keep cavities in check and smiles bright through Labor Day and beyond.
If you have questions about your oral hygiene routine or want to schedule a checkup before the back-to-school rush, we’re here for you.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments and materials. Everything we use makes a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We help our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.