Everyone likely knows the importance of brushing and flossing for cavity prevention. However, you might not realize that your drink can greatly affect oral health. Some drinks promote good oral health, while others work against the health of your pearly whites. The following will outline what to avoid and what to enjoy in terms of drinks for your overall oral health:
Worst Drinks for Your Teeth
Avoid the following drinks on the regular if you want to keep your teeth as healthy and gleaming white as possible:
- Coffee and Tea: If you are one of the 62% of Americans who drink coffee every day, you likely already know that coffee stains and discolors teeth. However, tea can be just as harmful as black tea, and coffee fall within the same pH scale, meaning they are acidic. This, in turn, causes erosion of the teeth by breaking down the enamel, causing stains. This breakdown in the teeth can also cause tooth sensitivity.
- Fruit Juice:Â When it comes to fruit juices, the main problem is the sugars that the drink contains. The sugar mixes with your saliva, leaving a sticky surface on your teeth and a type of bacteria that traps food particles.
- Energy Drinks:Â While you might appreciate the pick-me-up and energy drink offers, they can cause many problems within your mouth. They damage tooth enamel thanks to their high acidity levels. In addition, they can cause teeth-grinding due to the energy influx, which can lead to tooth loss and breakage.
- Soda or Cola:Â Of all the drinks you could choose regarding your teeth, soda is likely the worst of all. This includes both diet and regular varieties. These drinks are high in sugar content and, combined with the carbonation factor, can cause erosion and damage to the tooth enamel.
Best Drinks For Your Teeth
Now that we have considered what to avoid regarding tooth health and drinks, it’s time to consider what is a good option. After all, you have to drink something! So, here’s what to stick to when choosing a drink that promotes tooth health:
- Water:Â As you might imagine, water is one of the best drinks you can enjoy for your teeth. It rinses the mouth of food particles and contains fluoride, which can help build up your enamel. If you want something with a little taste, opt for coconut water.
- Milk:Â The other healthiest option for your teeth is milk. It contains calcium and other vitamins that reduce tooth decay.
Contact Us Today
At Gentle Dental Care, we are committed to providing you with the best dental care. Contact us today at 732-549-5660 to schedule an appointment and learn more ways to care for your teeth and keep them looking their best.