There are so many fun ways to beat the heat during the summer time – swimming, camping, chasing the ice-cream truck. What’s better than a fun family barbecue, a trip to the fair, or a popsicle by the pool? Indulging in refreshing treats like ice cream, freezies, slurpees and sodas are a great ways to stay cool – but they can seriously damage your teeth. Try making these once-in-a-while treats!

Dairy products like ice cream can be a great source of calcium. Unfortunately most ice cream is made with a lot of sugar. If you can – buy ice cream that is sugar free or has low sugar. Avoid toppings like caramel sauce and syrups if you can, and brush your teeth after to remove the sticky sugars from your enamel.

Healthy Summer Snack Ideas

Corn: Corn reaches its peak sweetness during the hottest months of the summer. Corn is nutrient rich, filled with important compounds that benefit dental health including phosphorus, magnesium, thiamin, fibre and vitamin C.

Salads: Crisp, ripe, fresh and vibrant. The veggies that make up great salads provide essential nutrients and fibre. Raw veggies are also great at naturally scrubbing debris from the teeth, and keeping the teeth shiny.

Fish: Lighter meals are enjoyed more in the summer, and fish is an excellent protein option for this. Omega 3 fatty acids can help fight gum disease and also benefits your overall health.

Berries: Ripe, juicy, red strawberries are the perfect snack for sugar addicts. They are super sweet when they’re ripe, a surrogate candy if you will – but without the risks of processed sugar. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for fuelling the human body. Berries contain vitamin C, calcium, folate, magnesium, potassium and cancer fighting antioxidants.

If you have tooth sensitivity issues and are avoiding ice cream, talk to your dentist about this, we can help!

What are some of your favourite summertime treats? We’d love to hear about it! Share your favourites in the comments below.