As warmer months draw closer, so might our daydreams of lounging outdoors by the pool, drink in hand. While you may stock up on sunscreen for your skin or buy new sunglasses for your eyes, there’s another body part you should not neglect: your teeth.

Tooth erosion, which is when acids wear away at tooth enamel, can lead to discoloration, increased sensitivity or even the loss of teeth. These acids can come from foods and drinks, like fruit-flavored beverages and sodas.

But sometimes people who consume acidic foods or drinks don’t experience tooth erosion. Researchers from King’s College London in the United Kingdom sought to find out if besides what we consume, how we consume it can affect our oral health.

Using data from a study of 600 participants, where half had tooth erosion, the researchers found that for adults who drank acidic beverages twice a day, the risk of moderate to severe tooth erosion was 11 times higher than it was with the others. This was particularly true when drinks were consumed between meals.

But in analyzing the how, the researchers found the risk of tooth erosion rose when drinks were sipped, as well as held and swished in mouths.

The American Dental Association advises people to drink water or milk while eating, and to rinse your mouth after consuming acidic foods or drinks. In addition, they say to wait at least one hour to brush your teeth after eating or drinking these acidic meals and beverages.

Even as we take on a worry-free state in beach chairs by the water, it’s important to be mindful of what we put in our bodies. As for pearly-whites, the healthier our teeth are, the easier it is to show with a smile that we’re having a good time.