Bite down on summer tooth health Published Aug. 14, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Ashley Stallworth 56th Medical Group LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona -- As you may know, during the summer it can be extremely hot. We want to stay cool and keep hydrated; however, sometimes we can harm our teeth in the process. For example, chewing on ice or consuming sugary sports drinks can cause tooth damage. The American Dental Association recommends the following tips to avoid damaging the teeth. Ice is for chilling, not chewing Many people think ice is good for teeth. It's made of water, after all, and doesn't contain any sugar or other additives. But chewing on hard substances can damage enamel and leave teeth vulnerable to a dental emergency. Advice: Break the habit and enjoy water in its liquid form. Watch out for sports drinks Sports and energy drinks sound like they're healthy. Many of those drinks have sugar listed first in ingredients. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, while sports drinks can be helpful for young athletes engaged in prolonged, vigorous physical activities, in most cases they are unnecessary. Advice: Before the next sip, check the label to make sure the drink of choice is low in sugar. Not sure? Drink water instead Trade carbonated beverages for water When sugary foods or drinks are consumed (energy drinks or soda), for long periods of time, plaque bacteria use the sugar to produce acids that attack enamel, the hard surface of teeth. Most carbonated soft drinks, including diet soda, are acidic and therefore, bad for teeth. Caffeinated beverages, such as colas can also dry out the mouth. Advice: When consuming carbonated beverages, drink water too. Watch citrus intake Drinking fruit juice might seem like a healthier alternative compared to soda; however, this is not the case. Fruit juice has a lot of sugar and is very acidic which can erode teeth and make them more susceptible to cavities. Advice: To prevent damage to teeth, swap out fruit juice with water.