Just like certain types of foods can impact our oral health for better or worse, so can the types of drinks we choose to consume. Unfortunately, many of the most popular drinks can harm your oral health if you do not limit your intake. In this post, we will discuss how five of the most popular drinks can affect your oral health, as well as some practical tips for avoiding unnecessary damage to your teeth.
Soda
Soda, pop, coke – call it what you want, it all affects your teeth in the same way! While it remains one of the most popular beverages, especially in the United States, soda contains ridiculously high amounts of sugar! The bacteria that reside in your mouth feed off this sugar, eventually leading to the formation of cavities.
However, sugar isn’t the only harmful component of soda. Soda is also highly acidic, something that can exacerbate damage to your teeth. Next time you choose to enjoy a bubbly beverage, use a straw to bypass your teeth, and be sure to rinse your mouth with water once you finish!
Energy Drinks
Although they may seem like a better alternative to soda, energy and sports drinks contain just as much, if not more, sugar! Many energy drinks are also highly acidic, causing even more damage to the enamel of your tooth. Once the enamel becomes compromised, you are likely to experience an increase in tooth sensitivity and discomfort.
While there is certainly a time and place to enjoy an occasional energy drink, they should be seen as a treat and not as a part of your daily routine. Remember to drink plenty of water following your energy or sports drink to rid your mouth of lingering sugars. Alternatively, opt for green tea for a boost of energy to get you through the day.
Lemonade
Lemonade is good for you, right? This tasty drink falls somewhere in the middle of the list when it comes to drinks that affect your teeth one way or the other. While lemonade does not have the carbonation that can increase damage to the tooth’s enamel, it is highly acidic and often contains high amounts of sugar!
As we have seen with the drinks we have already discussed, acids and sugars and not your mouth’s best friends. While it is important to not drink lemonade in excess, it is a tasty treat that you should continue to enjoy! Choose a lemonade with lower sugar content and be sure to drink plenty of water following your tasty treat.
Coffee
Most adults run on a morning (and oftentimes, afternoon) cup of coffee! While coffee is also acidic, the dark color of coffee is more likely to harm your smile. Don’t panic: you don’t have to give up coffee forever! Opt for coffee drinks with lower sugar content, be sure to drink plenty of water, and consider using a whitening toothpaste to counteract the staining you may experience.
Sparkling Water
We know that water is one of the best things we can drink to promote both oral and overall health. But is sparkling water any different? While it is still important to drink plenty of regular water, the carbonation added to sparkling water will not harm your oral health. Additionally, this can be a great alternative to soda or carbonated energy drinks!