Dentist talked about the teeth-destroying summer habits

The consumption of sugary soft drinks, frequent snacking and sudden changes in food temperature in summer can lead to enamel damage, caries and gum inflammation. Pavel Lysenkov, a dental therapist and periodontist at SM-Dentistry, told Izvestia about this on July 21.

The expert's assessment is based on common seasonal habits: the use of lemonades, juices, iced tea, fruits, berries and ice cream, as well as changes in diet and hygiene during the holidays. According to the dentist, it is not the products themselves that most often cause damage to teeth, but the frequency and characteristics of their use.

"One of the most common mistakes is the constant consumption of sugary soft drinks, sodas, iced tea and juices. They contain large amounts of sugar and organic acids, which create a favorable environment for bacterial growth and gradually soften tooth enamel," Lysenkov said.

If you drink them in small portions throughout the day, your teeth are almost constantly exposed to acids, Lysenkov added.

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Fruits and berries are good for the body, but the acids they contain temporarily reduce the strength of the enamel. Brushing your teeth immediately after such a snack can increase its damage. The combination of very cold and hot foods, such as ice cream and coffee, also has a negative effect, as temperature fluctuations can cause microcracks and increase tooth sensitivity.

"During the holidays, the usual daily routine is disrupted: someone skips evening brushing after late walks, someone is limited to one brushing in the morning. Even a few weeks of such a "respite" is enough for plaque to actively accumulate, increasing the risk of caries and gum inflammation," the specialist noted.

An additional danger is frequent snacking without breaks and lack of water, which reduces the production of saliva that protects teeth.

After eating fruits and berries, Lysenkov recommended rinsing your mouth with water and waiting 30-40 minutes before brushing your teeth. To reduce the risk of enamel damage, it is also important to maintain regular hygiene, take breaks between meals, avoid sudden temperature changes, and drink enough water.

German Dyak, a dentist-therapist and orthopedist at the Atribyut clinic, said on June 29 that stress can negatively affect dental health. According to him, nervous overexertion often causes bruxism — involuntary clenching of the jaws or gnashing of teeth. This leads to enamel abrasion, microcracks and hypersensitivity of teeth, as well as increases the load on veneers, implants, crowns and fillings.