Drinks that Affect Your Smile

In today’s modern world of dentistry, there are enough drink choices to make your head spin. From teas and coffees to sports drinks and juice, it’s hard to figure out which drinks to avoid and how they will affect your oral health. Here’s some important information for you to consider when choosing which beverages to consume.

Sugar Content

Choosing beverages that are both tasty and good for your teeth can be a true challenge. For example, when deciding on a fruit drink, it’s important to look at how much fruit juice is actually in it. If it doesn’t contain at least 50% fruit juice, then it’s not an ideal choice. Additionally, drinks with added sweeteners should be avoided when possible. Sodas can have as much as 11 teaspoons of sugar per serving and are a leading factor in tooth decay.

Bacteria feed on the sugar you consume and create acids that erode enamel. Over time, this will cause your teeth to become more sensitive and eventually lead to tooth decay. When you do consume sugary drinks, rinsing with water afterward will help wash away harmful sugars and acids.

Acid Level

Sugar is not the only culprit to be aware of when choosing a drink. Acid is another leading cause of tooth decay. If you try to avoid sugar by drinking diet beverages, you’re still exposing your teeth to citric, phosphoric, and carbonic acids. These acids erode enamel and help bacteria to flourish by raising the pH level in your mouth, which can lead to issues like gum disease.

Stain-causing Beverages

Another problem with many beverages is how they stain your teeth. In addition to soda, drinks like wine, tea, and coffee can also stain your teeth. Because of their acidity, even drinks like white teas and clear sodas can cause staining and tooth decay.

Some may think that drinking white wine won’t stain their teeth. This is not the case. White wine is even more acidic than red wine and has all the same problems as any other acidic beverage. For your teeth as well as your health in general, all of these drinks should be consumed in moderation.

Drinks That are Great for Your Teeth

While there are many beverages that are harmful to your teeth, there also some great options available that will help protect your smile.

Milk

Milk is a fantastic choice for building a strong body and for protecting your teeth. The calcium in milk provides the building blocks to keep your teeth strong. On top of that, milk also helps to fight tooth decay. It contains proteins called caseins that form a film that coats your teeth and help neutralize the acids from food and bacteria. When drinking milk with desserts, it is best to drink it after you enjoy your treat to help wash away the sugar that attacks your teeth.

Water – The Best Beverage for Your Oral Health

By far, the best thing you can drink to maintain proper oral health is water. Water does not contain the acids and sugars of other drinks and is vital to maintaining a healthy body and mind. It also has a plethora of benefits for the rest of your body. It will help flush out toxins, improve skin complexion, and help maintain a healthy immune system.

Drinking water instead of soda and other high-calorie drinks is an easy way to cut calories from your diet. Additionally, drinking water that has fluoride added helps to fight cavities and is one of the easiest ways to maintain a healthy smile. Patients should, however, avoid sparkling water. It is not as harmful to your teeth as soda, yet it still contains carbonic acid from the carbonation process that erodes tooth enamel.

With all the options available, it is easy to choose a drink that is damaging to your teeth. Consuming your favorite drinks in moderation in combination with drinking plenty of water will help keep your teeth happy and healthy. If you would like to learn more about ways to improve your oral health, click through our website. Learn how Oakland Family Dental can help you get to your ideal smile.

Schedule Your Next Visit

Dr. Sheehan has a number of cosmetic and family dentistry services that will give you the confidence to smile again. From fillings and bondings to root canals and dental implants, Dr. Sheehan has the knowledge and experience to provide the care you deserve. Call us today or fill out the contact form on our webpage to take your first step to a better smile.