The warm weather has arrived, and with it comes our thirst for all our favorite spring and summer activities. But, as our friendly family dentist at Springfield Gentle Dental reminds us, quenching your thirst with some of those popular summertime beverages can leave you with tooth decay come fall and winter. 

Before taking that first sip of the season, here are a few drinks that ought to stay in the bottle, and some refreshing alternatives:

• Your sports drink may be marketed for replenishing your energy during or after a workout, but many contain more than 30 grams of sugar in a 20-ounce bottle. Just plain water is fine for most people who need to rehydrate, but if your intense workout requires more, dissolvable electrolyte tablets are a low-sugar option.
• Store-bought lemonade, whether classic or pink, is packed with sugar. We suggest making your own with fresh lemons and just a touch of sweetener. 
• Some brands of pre-bottled, sweetened iced teas pack as much sugar as soda pop. Look for unsweetened brands, or better yet, brew your own at home and use lemon or mint to add flavor if desired. 
• If you crave fruit juice, look for brands that contain only 100 percent fruit juice without added sweeteners. Even pure fruit juice, however, contains plenty of sugar, so modify your intake or dilute the contents with water. 
• Sparkling water is a refreshing option, and you can add a slice of orange, lemon or lime. Some brands come with natural flavors with little or no sugar. 
• When it’s all said and done, nothing - we repeat, nothing! - is as refreshing on a hot summer day than a cold glass of good old H2O! Our bodies crave water in so many ways, so give your body what it wants!

Your friendly dentist at Springfield Gentle Dental wishes you a wonderful spring and summer, and we look forward to seeing you soon!