There’s no doubt about it — summer is here. As the temperatures rise and the sun shines brightly in the sky, a cool drink on a warm day is an absolute must-have. You have several options for chilled refreshments, like sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Although they may seem like the ideal beverage to help you cool down, they can leave a lasting mark on your smile, even long after the summer months have passed. Instead, your dentist recommends drinking more water to stay hydrated and support a healthy smile.
Skip the Energy Drinks & Sodas
Juices, sodas, and energy drinks can seem like the perfect refreshment, but they have hidden dangers that affect more than just your waistline. They can also cause irreversible damage to your teeth because they contain high amounts of sugar and acids, which cause permanent enamel erosion.
Your teeth are comprised of 3 main layers: the enamel, dentin, and pulp. Your enamel is the hard-outer layer you see in the mirror, which protects your inner layers. Each day, your enamel is attacked by cavity-causing bacteria, like what’s created by sugars and starches. When they combine with your saliva, it forms an acidic plaque, which will slowly erode your enamel until a small hole forms, called a cavity. You’ll need a dental filling to treat the decay to prevent it from turning into a bigger problem.
Drink Plenty of Tap Water
As an alternative to cavity-causing drinks, your dentist encourages you to grab a glass of tap water. Not only is it sugar-free, but it also contains fluoride, which is added to public water systems to combat tooth decay. Fluoride is also known as “Nature’s Cavity Fighter” because it keeps the enamel strong and can even reverse the early stages of decay.
A glass of water benefits your smile in other ways as well. In fact, it can help cleanse harmful food particles and bacteria from your teeth in between brushing and flossing. This can decrease your risk of several common issues, like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Water is also essential to staying hydrated, which is important on a warm summer day. With your body properly hydrated, you’re less likely to experience dry mouth. This is an uncomfortable issue that also creates the perfect breeding ground for bad bacteria in your mouth. Thankfully, you can keep your mouth moist and harmful bacteria at bay by reaching for a glass of water.
Stay Hydrated This Summer
If you can’t avoid your sweet tooth, add a few pieces of fruit to your water for a splash of flavor. Simple changes to the beverages you choose this summer can have a lasting effect on your smile.
About Dr. Nicholas Brong
Dr. Nicholas Brong strives to create the healthiest of smiles through superior dental care. He’s undergone advanced training in many areas of specialty, including dental implants and laser dentistry. You can rest assured your smile is in good hands when choosing Zumbro Family Dental. Contact our office today to schedule your next cleaning and checkup.
