Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist are all crucial for proper dental hygiene. They help you avoid a wide range of oral health issues, but there’s still a slight chance you develop one. That’s because the beverages you drink can harm your teeth and cause problems. The good news is that there are plenty of safer alternatives to reach for, so here is a guide to protect your smile from any harm.
What Popular Drinks Are Harmful to My Teeth?
While some of your favorite drinks may be tasty or refreshing, having these types of beverages can be trouble if you aren’t careful:
- Soda: While you may enjoy the bubbly goodness that is an ice-cold cola, it’s full of sugar. They feed bacteria in the mouth to produce enamel-dissolving acid. Regular and diet versions are also acidic, so they can further erode this top layer.
- Sports and Energy Drinks: These are advertised as helpful in replenishing electrolytes or boosting energy, but they have the same problems as above! In fact, they might do it a bit faster since you may feel hyperactive and grind your teeth.
- Tea and Coffee: You might start your day with a cup of either, but they can stain teeth. Sweetened kinds with any add-ins can also increase your risk of cavities.
- Alcoholic Drinks: Just like the others, these are full of sugar and acids that can harm your enamel. Not only that, but they dry out your mouth, which makes it harder for you to produce saliva to wash away bacteria.
What Drinks Are Safer for My Smile?
The good news is that you don’t have to quit having any of the beverages above. While they may increase your risk of oral health issues, there are ways you can enjoy them without them causing trouble. For instance, you can have them in moderation and rinse with water to wash away debris and neutralize acids. With that said, there are also tasty alternatives you can reach for, such as:
- Water is by far the best choice as it can support your saliva production, and you don’t need to worry about it staining your teeth. If you do want some flavor, then infuse it with fruits or vegetables like berries or cucumber slices.
- Milk is full of calcium and phosphorus. Both are helpful for enamel health and can strengthen your smile.
- Diluted juice is a great option, but mix it with some water to reduce the sugar and acidity it has.
- Herbal teas, specifically caffeine-free ones, don’t lead to trouble and are less likely to cause discoloration.
While making these swaps won’t replace the need for your oral hygiene and visits with the dentist, they can add another layer of protection. That way, you keep your smile in the best shape possible.
About the Author
Dr. Tracy Jenkins earned his dental degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Idaho Falls community get pristine oral health with preventive care and restorative treatments. Dr. Jenkins aims to be proactive and avoid dental problems, but if one does arise, he’s here to fix it up before it becomes a big headache. If you want to make sure your teeth stay strong, schedule an appointment or call his office at (208) 522-8061.