While water is the most essential substance we should drink, many people like to indulge in other tasty beverages. Though some may offer certain nutritional value to your health, this doesn’t mean they’ll be safe for your smile. To keep your teeth clean and healthy, you’ll want to also be aware of the impact some of the most common drinks have on your pearly whites. Read on to learn more about the relationship between popular beverages and oral health!
#1: Soda
Most people are aware of how detrimental sodas can be to your smile. Not only are these carbonated beverages acidic, but they also consist of a high amount of sugar. The acidity will weaken your teeth’s enamel, leaving it significantly more susceptible to bacteria and infection. The sugar content will fuel microbial growth, which may result in issues like dental decay and cavities.
#2: Coffee
Do you typically enjoy a cup of joe to start your morning? In fact, over half of Americans over the age of 18 tend to drink coffee at least once a day. Studies have shown that consuming this beverage in moderation can provide benefits to your health, such as decreasing fatigue and offering essential nutrients. Even so, since coffee contains compounds known as “tannins,” your teeth can easily become stained if you drink this beverage often. It’s also highly acidic, increasing your chances of tooth decay.
#3: Wine
It’s normal to want to celebrate a special occasion or holiday with a glass of wine. By drinking this in moderation, you may be able to benefit your overall health, such as maintaining a healthy heart. However, it doesn’t help your pearly whites at all. Much like coffee, red wine can leave you with a discolored smile and weaker enamel.
#4: Tea
Tea is widely known for providing numerous benefits depending on the kind of brew you drink. For instance, green tea can benefit your oral health by fighting off cavities, bacteria, and gum disease. That said, the type of tea that poses possible concerns is brewed and sweetened iced teas. Many of these beverages consist of high amounts of sugar content, sometimes making them more harmful than sodas.
#5: Juice
If juices contain fruits, how can they be harmful to your teeth? Unfortunately, these drinks are highly concentrated and can expose your smile to more acids than if you simply had the fruit in its original form. This means juices can often be just as detrimental as sodas since they can also weaken your enamel and make your teeth vulnerable to bacteria. If you want to enjoy one of these beverages, be sure to dilute it with 50% water.
Try to keep your smile in mind whenever you want to enjoy one of these popular drinks. Maintain good oral hygiene, visit your dentist every six months, and minimize how often you consume these beverages so you can enjoy healthier teeth in the long run!
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong studied at the University of California in San Francisco. He’s also a member of several organizations like the American Dental Association and SPEAR Education. He offers a wide variety of high-quality services, including fluoride treatments, fillings, and gum disease therapy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 507-288-1066.
