We often consider how eating candy and sugary foods can impact the health of our teeth. But did you know that what you drink can be just as harmful? In fact, some of the beverages that can wreak havoc on your dental health may surprise you. While it may be quenching your thirst or satisfying your taste buds, your drink could be ruining your smile. If you are not mindful of what you drink, you could be bathing your smile in substances that can lead to sensitivity, discoloration, decay and other oral health issues over time.
What to Watch Out For?
When it comes to beverages and protecting your teeth, you’ll want to stay away from drinks that contain high amounts of sugar and acids. Together, this is a deadly combo for your pearly whites, especially if they linger for long periods of time without getting rinsed away with water or brushing. Oral bacteria feeds on these sugars and produces harmful acids that can erode (weaken) your tooth enamel. If your drink is introducing additional acids, the damage can be even more extensive.
Once your tooth enamel becomes damaged, it loses its vital protection against cavities. You may also notice that your teeth are more sensitive than they used to be and even more yellow, since the next layer (dentin) of your teeth has a darker hue than your enamel.
If your favorite drink is not your dentist’s favorite drink for your smile, be mindful. You may want to limit your consumption altogether or at least rinse with water afterwards. The worst way to consume these beverages is to sip on them throughout the day, when they can do their damage little by little and remain on your teeth for hours at a time.
You’ll find high amounts of sugars, acids or both in the following beverages:
- Sports drinks
- Energy drinks
- Sodas
- Fruit juices
- Wine
At Dream Dentist, we know that patients don’t always drink water, which is undoubtedly the safest drink for your smile. However, we do value the importance of educating families about the potential dental health concerns that certain beverages can cause, especially when it is a drink that is consumed every day or multiple times a day. To learn more about protecting your teeth with what you drink, call our O’Fallon dental clinic.
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