According to the CDC, nearly half of Americans don’t drink enough water daily. The second-most popular reason for not drinking more water (behind simply not feeling thirsty) is that people prefer to drink something else. With the variety of drinks you can choose from nowadays, sometimes it’s hard to choose water over a tastier option. However, your favorite juices and sodas may actually be harming your dental health. In this post, your dentist in Dublin explains the negative effects certain drinks can have on your teeth.
Which Drinks Harm Your Teeth?
Wine
Red wine is known to stain teeth, but white wine is no better for your dental health. White wine is actually more acidic than red, so it can wear down your tooth enamel faster. Worn down enamel can lead to oral pain, further discoloration and even infection.
Coffee
While recent studies have shown that drinking black coffee can actually decrease your risk of developing cavities, these effects are negated by the large amounts of cream and sweetener we often put in our cups of joe. Coffee will also stain your teeth and can lead to bad breath, so still enjoy it in moderation.
Fruit Juice
Most fruit juices are concentrated. As a result, this exposes you to a lot more acid than if you were to eat the fruit in its natural form. Diluting fruit juice with 50% water can lessen the potential damage. It should be noted that drinks labeled as ‘fruit punch’ typically contain no actual juice at all and are mostly sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Carbonated Drinks
Both soda and sparkling water are acidic and can harm your enamel. There’s no notable difference between the acidity regular and diet sodas, so skip both. Surprisingly, studies have shown that root beer is actually not that bad for your teeth, so enjoy it without dental guilt!
Which Drinks Are Best for Your Teeth?
There are multiple drinks that your teeth will thank you for enjoying, including:
- Milk has plenty of calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and enamel remineralization
- Unsweetened tea like green and herbal help fight oral bacteria and won’t stain your teeth
- Water is essential to keeping you hydrated and boosting your saliva production. It also flushes the remnants of sugary and acidic substances from your mouth
While you can enjoy your favorite drinks in moderation, wash out your mouth with water afterwards. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to make sure you aren’t suffering from teeth decay or worn enamel.
About the Author
Dr. Hannah Burton provides expert dental care with a compassionate approach. She has completed numerous hours of continuing education and has studied through the prestigious Spear Education program. If you have further questions about your dental health, she can be reached through her website or at 614-792-1800.