Is soda really bad for your teeth? How about if it’s sugar-free? Are seltzer water, sports drinks, or fruit juice safe options? We all want to make wise choices for our health, but sometimes it’s hard to know what they are. Here are the best and worst drinks for your teeth.
Things to Watch Out For
When selecting your beverage of choice, it’s important to keep your health in mind, including your dental health. There are several different reasons why some drinks can be worse than others for your teeth.
Among the best and worst drinks for your teeth, sugary drinks rank among the worst. Sugar is bad for your teeth because sugar feeds the naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth, which can not only cause an overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth, it also produces an acid that erodes your dental enamel or the outer layer of your teeth. That’s why sugar is a leading cause of dental cavities. Many people know that soda contains high amounts of sugar, but it’s less common knowledge that sports drinks, fruit juices, and sweetened teas do as well.
Alcohol is another drink that can wreak havoc on your dental health if consumed in excess. Heavy alcohol consumption can cause dry mouth, which can lead to gum disease and make your teeth more prone to decay.
Another thing to watch out for is the color of your drink. Dark-colored drinks such as wine, dark teas, and coffee can cause staining on your teeth that may be difficult to remove.
Beneficial Options
When talking about the best and worst drinks for your teeth, it’s not all bad news. In fact, some beverage options can actually benefit your dental health. Milk is a great option because it contains many nutrients like vitamin D and calcium that are vital to the health of your teeth and bones.
Tea is another beneficial choice because of the antioxidants it contains. White and green teas are safer options that are less prone to cause dental staining than black tea. Simple tap water is another great source of beneficial minerals and fluoride, in addition to being the number one recommended way to hydrate.
Talking with Your Dentist
If you want to learn more about the best food and drink choices for your dental health, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist any questions you have at your next dental appointment. Your dentist will be glad to help you discover the best ways to support your dental health and enjoy the many food and drink options that are beneficial to your dental and overall health.
Call our Dowagiac Dental Office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.