Everyone knows that candy and sweets are hard on your teeth, but the most dangerous culprits are actually what you drink! Studies have shown that beverages have higher acidity and in some cases higher amounts of concentrated sugars. So which drinks are most dangerous to your dental health?
Soda contains phosphoric and citric acids which are harsh on enamel. Also, dark sodas can easily stain teeth, especially the longer the soda sits on teeth without being brushed away.
Coffee is most famous for changing the hue of teeth over time. It is capable of wearing down enamel, due to the high amount of caffeine, which makes it easier to stain teeth.
Sports drinks are one of the newest additions to harmful beverages. They are said to contain up to three times the amount of sugar found in soda!
Carbonated water is also surprisingly damaging to the mouth because it contains deceiving amounts of sugar.
Juices such as orange, apple, or lemonade, all seem healthier, but contain high amounts of sugar, and natural acidity from the fruit. The combination can have the same effect as soda.
Alcohol is the most important beverage to avoid because the acids and sugars are much stronger and can easily lead to periodontal disease. Also, if alcohol is abused, it can lead to oral cancer.
Are you thinking you can’t give up your Diet Coke or coffee in the morning? Don’t worry! There are many solutions that can allow you to enjoy your favorite drinks without sacrificing your daily fixes.
1. Water! Drinking water after consuming any of these beverages can help rinse out the sticky sugars and acids that latch themselves onto your teeth. Also, water will have the same effect as saliva, where moisture makes it easier to wash away bacteria. Or you can switch to drinking more water altogether in place of a soda or juice.
2. Bring a toothbrush. If you can’t go without any or all of these beverages, bring a toothbrush with you. Dentists say to wait 20-30 minutes after consumption to allow the enamel, which has softened from the acids and sugars, to harden again, and cause less damage to the teeth.
3. Chew sugarless gum. Chewing sugarless gum will actually help to pull the sugars and acids off of your teeth, and produces more saliva for a natural mouthwash.
4. Use a straw. It sounds silly, but placing a straw towards the back of your mouth can keep the beverage away from your teeth and prevent direct contact with your front teeth (to avoid staining)!
So if you’re not willing to give up any of your favorite beverages, try these simple solutions so you don’t have to! And, of course, so you can still keep your smile healthy.
