Hot-Weather Treats Can Give Your Teeth the Summertime Blues

For many, scorching heat and sweltering weather means slurping down sodas, which also means that summer can be hard on your teeth. Indeed, July and August are the busiest months for dental clinics, according to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service.

Sodas may be thirst quenching, but they're highly acidic and loaded with sugar. "Sweet, cold beverages can damage your teeth without you even realizing," said Choi Heon-ju at a dental clinic in Seoul.

Eating ice cream and chomping on the ice in sweet drinks leave the surface of your teeth coated in sugar, so try to brush or rinse immediately after consuming such treats. Too much coffee can also be bad, as it can stain the teeth. "The surface of a tooth looks smooth, but it's actually pitted with many tiny holes that are invisible to the naked eye. Dark-colored coffee can penetrate these small holes and stain your teeth," Choi said.

Ice-cold beer is another summer favorite, but alcohol reduces the antibacterial properties of white blood cells. Drinks with high alcohol content such as soju and mixers can increase blood pressure, causing the gums to swell and bleed.