Summer in Sheffield might not always guarantee sunshine, but when the warm weather does arrive, most of us reach for the cold drinks, ice lollies, and iced coffees without giving our teeth a second thought. The truth is, many of our favourite ways to cool down can quietly work against our oral health — from eroding enamel to staining teeth and drying out our mouths.
The good news is that staying cool and keeping your smile healthy aren't mutually exclusive. Here's what you need to know.
Stay Hydrated — But Be Mindful of What You're Drinking
Drinking plenty of fluids in summer is essential, but not all drinks are equal when it comes to your teeth.
Water is always your best friend. Plain, still water is the single best thing you can drink for your oral health. It rinses away food particles, helps neutralise acids in the mouth, and keeps saliva production up — your mouth's natural defence against bacteria. If you're in Sheffield, tap water contains fluoride, which actively helps protect and strengthen enamel. Keeping a cold bottle of water with you throughout the day is one of the simplest things you can do for your teeth this summer.
Watch out for sparkling water. It might seem like a healthy alternative to fizzy drinks, but sparkling water is still acidic. Enjoyed occasionally it's fine, but sipping it all day gives your enamel very little chance to recover. If sparkling water is your go-to, try to drink it with meals rather than throughout the day.
Fruit juices and smoothies are more acidic than you think. A cold pressed juice or fruit smoothie feels virtuous, but these drinks are often high in natural sugars and acids that soften enamel over time. If you enjoy them, use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth and avoid brushing for at least 30 minutes afterwards when enamel is at its most vulnerable.
Sports and energy drinks are hard on enamel. If you're spending the summer being active — running, cycling, playing sport — it's tempting to reach for sports drinks to rehydrate. These are typically highly acidic and high in sugar. Water is a better choice for most recreational exercise, and if you do drink sports drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Be Smart About Ice Lollies and Frozen Treats
Few things beat an ice lolly on a hot day, but your teeth feel the impact more than you might realise.
Sugar-free options are better, but still cold. Sudden exposure to very cold temperatures can cause discomfort or sharp pain if you have sensitive teeth, existing cracks, or worn enamel. If cold foods or drinks regularly cause you pain, it's worth mentioning to us at your next appointment — sensitivity can be a sign of something that's worth addressing early.
Choose fruit-based lollies wisely. Many fruit lollies — even the ones that feel healthy — are high in sugar and citric acid. Lollies made from whole fruit with no added sugar are a much better choice for your teeth. Even better, try making your own at home using diluted fruit juice or coconut water — you control exactly what goes in.
Don't crunch ice. It might be tempting to chew the ice at the bottom of a cold drink, but biting down on ice is one of the most common causes of chipped and cracked teeth we see. Ice is hard enough to damage enamel and even crack teeth, particularly if you have any fillings or existing weaknesses. Let it melt rather than crunch it.
Watch for Summer Habits That Dry Out Your Mouth
A dry mouth isn't just uncomfortable — it's bad for your oral health. Saliva is your mouth's natural defence: it neutralises acids, washes away bacteria, and helps remineralise enamel. Anything that reduces saliva flow gives bacteria more opportunity to thrive.
Alcohol dehydrates. A cold beer or glass of wine in the garden is one of summer's pleasures, but alcohol is dehydrating, which reduces saliva production. If you're drinking alcohol, alternate with glasses of water and try to stay well hydrated throughout the day.
Antihistamines can cause dry mouth. Many people take antihistamines for hay fever during summer, and a common side effect is a dry mouth. If you're taking antihistamines regularly, make sure you're drinking plenty of water to compensate, and let us know if you're experiencing ongoing dryness.
Breathing through your mouth — particularly when exercising — also dries things out. This is difficult to avoid, but rinsing with water after exercise helps.
Keep Up Your Routine (Even on Holiday)
Summer often means late nights, holidays, and disrupted routines — and your oral hygiene routine is often one of the first things to slip. But the fundamentals stay the same no matter where you are.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Two minutes, morning and night. This doesn't change just because you're on holiday or it's a bank holiday weekend. Pack your toothbrush in your hand luggage, not your hold baggage, so you always have it to hand.
Don't forget to floss. Summer barbecues and picnics are full of foods — sweetcorn, ribs, bread — that get stuck between teeth. Flossing once a day removes what brushing can't reach.
Wait before brushing after acidic food and drink. After a cold juice, a lolly, or a fizzy drink, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing immediately after acidic exposure spreads softened enamel around rather than protecting it. Rinse with water first.
Summer Foods That Are Actually Good for Your Teeth
It's not all bad news — plenty of summer staples are genuinely good for your oral health.
Strawberries contain malic acid, which can help remove surface stains naturally — though they're best eaten as part of a meal rather than snacked on throughout the day due to their natural sugar content.
Watermelon is high in water content, which helps with hydration and saliva production, and contains vitamin C which supports healthy gums.
Cucumber and celery are crunchy, high in water, and act almost like a natural toothbrush, stimulating saliva and gently cleaning tooth surfaces.
Cheese and dairy are brilliant for teeth — the calcium strengthens enamel and casein helps protect against acid erosion. A cheeseboard at a summer gathering is doing more for your teeth than you might think.
Fresh herbs like mint and parsley can help freshen breath naturally without reaching for sugar-laden mints or gum.
When to Book a Checkup
If you notice any of the following after the summer months, it's worth booking an appointment with us at Bealby and Jones:
- Increased sensitivity to cold that wasn't there before
- Staining from summer drinks like iced coffee, cold brew, or red wine
- Any chips, cracks, or rough edges (particularly if you've been chewing ice)
- Dry mouth that has persisted beyond summer
- Any bleeding from the gums
Catching these things early is always easier to manage than waiting. A routine checkup gives us the chance to spot anything developing and keep your smile in the best possible shape going into autumn.
Summer should be enjoyed — and with a few mindful choices, there's no reason your teeth can't come out the other side just as healthy as they went in.
If you'd like to book a checkup or have any questions about your oral health, get in touch with our friendly team at Bealby and Jones. We're always happy to help.
Written by
Ciara Dodd
Clinic admin — GDC -